Residential High-Rise Buildings  

This page contains general advice for tenants of residential high-rise buildings. High-rise apartments, and office buildings present special fire safety challenges for Fire Services. It is extremely important that tenants know what to do in the event of a fire. Remember, high-rise fires are caused by the same things that start fires in other buildings - electrical defects, carelessness, arson, improper storage of combustible materials and flammable liquids and other accidental causes.

In The Event Of Fire

• When you discover a fire, sound the fire alarm, call the Fire Service immediately.
• Leave the fire area quickly, closing all doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• Do not use the elevator, use an alternate escape route like the stairs.
• Never use an elevator when evacuating a burning building.
• Always go directly to the nearest fire and smoke-free stairs.
• If you encounter smoke, crawl low on the floor under the smoke. Heat and smoke rise upwards.
• Test doors before you open them, use the back of your hand. If the door is hot, use another escape route. If the door is cool, open it cautiously and continue.
• Once outside the building tell the Fire Service if anyone is left in the building.
• Do not re-enter the building until you are told it is safe to do so.

If You Become Trapped

• If possible, go to a room with an outside window or balcony.
• If there is a working phone, call the Fire Service and inform them of your location inside the building.
• Do this even if you can see fire trucks on the street below.
• Stay where rescuers can easily see you through the window, try to attract their attention.
• If possible, open the window. Be ready to shut the window quickly if smoke rushes in.
• Stuff clothing, towels, or newspapers around the cracks in doors to keep smoke out of the room.