The North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue is providing information to instruct residents of high-rise structures on safety procedures in the event of a fire. The NHRFR, which serves North Bergen, Union City, West New York, Weehawken and Guttenberg, suggests the following in order to be prepared for a fire:
How to prepare
Plan ahead.
Know the layout of your floor and building.
Know the location and the direction of all stairwells.
Know the number of doorways between your apartment and the door to the stairwell in both directions.
Keep all aisles of egress free, both in the apartment and in the public halls. Keep them clear of rubbish, furniture, bicycles and other items. Report any and all dangerous conditions to the building manager or Fire Prevention Bureau.
Ensure that your apartment door self-closing mechanism works properly.
Make sure that your smoke detector is in the proper location and that is working properly.
If the fire is in your apartment
Get everyone out of the apartment.
When you evacuate your apartment, be sure to close the door behind you.
As you exit, pull the manual pull station in the hallway to activate the fire alarm system
Do not use the elevators to exit. Never use an elevator during a fire under any circumstances. Exit by using the stairwell closest to your apartment.
In all cases when you exit the building, notify the fire department by dialing 9-1-1
If the fire is not in your apartment
Remain in your apartment.
Remain calm, call 9-1-1, and give your name, address, apartment number, and which side of the building your apartment faces.
Always convey pertinent information such as medical conditions or tenants who might require special attention during evacuation.
Keep your apartment door closed and cover the bottom of the apartment door with wet blankets or towels.
Be prepared to open the door to allow firefighters or neighbors in, should they need refuge if the interior hallway becomes untenable due to fire and smoke conditions.
Turn off air conditioners and close windows, if they are allowing smoke to enter your apartment from the outside.
In all cases when smoke is entering your apartment and you are unable to escape, seek refuge in the room farthest away from the point of smoke entry. If possible, take a cordless or cellular phone with you into the room and notify 9-1-1 of your location.
If you have any questions regarding fire safety contact Fire Prevention Bureau, North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, (201) 601-3542.
For emergencies always dial 9-1-1.