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The emphasis these days is on high-rise multi-storied residential complexes in urban areas. A single complex could be housing over a hundred families and each family could have a minimum of 4 members thus leading to a population of at least 400 persons in a single hi rise residential complex. Living in a high-rise apartment building presents some unique challenges, especially in case of a fire. To fight a high-rise fire you have to have the most modern and effective fire prevention and fire suppression equipments. Every fire is potentially dangerous and unpredictable; so do not underestimate the risk to your life. Remember, your fire safety is your responsibility!

Fire and smoke move very quickly, and the conditions in any part of the building may change in an instant. Smoke can spread throughout a building and enter your suite even when the fire is a floor away. Smoke is a serious life-safety hazard for anyone in its path. During an emergency, you will not have much time to decide what to do. Make sure you know what to do ahead of time. One question, that is always on a resident's mind in case of a fire is: What do I do when I discover a fire or am informed about a fire in my building.

The answer depends on several factors. First and foremost, treat every fire as an actual emergency. It is true that in majority of cases the fires are very small and are extinguished by the available resources but if even one fire alarm is ignored, you could pay a tragic price. Here are some basic procedures to follow when you hear an alarm, discover a fire or are informed about a fire.

1. When you hear an alarm, Stop what you are doing and leave the building by a safe exit.

2. What is a safe exit?

• An exit that is smoke free.
• An exit that is totally enclosed.

3. Close all doors - this controls the spread of smoke.

4. Always go to the ground floor, never to the roof. 

When you discover a fire:

• Leave the fire area immediately.
• Close all doors in the area. Smoke from an open door can quickly spread throughout the building.
• Alert all in the immediate vicinity who may be in danger.
• Proceed to the nearest fire alarm pull station. These are usually at stairwell exits.
• Know the location of the exit stairways and practice using them.
• Know your escape route. You must have at least two methods of exiting your home or building.
• Activate the alarm by pulling on the red box.
• The alarm signal should sound within two seconds.
• Proceed down the stairs to the ground floor exit.
• In a fire, crawl low to stay beneath the heat and smoke.
• Always keep to the walls when you crawl on all fours.
• Never go to the roof.
• Call the Fire Department when you are safely outside.
• Remember, it is very important that you do not use the elevators during a fire alarm. You could become trapped and die, and emergency personnel need the elevators for their own use.

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