Is Your Apartment Prepared for Fire Emergencies?

One of the most difficult factors that comes along with apartment living is the potential of fires that are not in your control. The catastrophes can lead to lost possessions, injuries, and even deaths when they spread too quickly. That’s why it’s important to be prepared. And if you’re renting out or selling your home, it’s even more essential as you don’t want to be the cause of someone else’s tragedy.

Below, we’ll share the top five pieces of advice for making sure your apartment is fire safe before renting it out or putting it on the market.

#1: Check to Make Sure Your Smoke Detectors Work

It’s one thing to have all of your required smoke detectors in place, and it’s another to regularly test them and refresh batteries to ensure they’ll do their job if a fire does occur. If you’ve been renting your home out for a while, also be sure your residents aren’t taking the device down for convenience while they cook and then forgetting to put it back up.

#2: Do Your Doors Close On Their Own?

If your building has three or more apartments, it needs self-closing doors. Simply open your door and let go to check — does it close and latch completely when you let go? This may seem like a small detail, but closed doors are one of the most effective ways to stop a fire from spreading, so it’s just as essential as smoke detectors in your home.

#3: Where Would You Exit In Case of Fire?

It’s important that you and your renters or buyers know where the closest exit is in case of fire. This will help to ensure everyone gets out of the building in a timely fashion, as they won’t be moving back and forth trying to find the best way down or out.

If you live in an older building, the exit may be a fire escape. And for newer apartments, it’s likely a stairwell lined with sprinklers.

#4: Is Your Fire Escape Safe?

If you do have an old-fashioned fire escape, is it safe to use? If not, this is an important repair to make before you sell your home. And if you’re a landlord, you’ll need to have it inspected every 5 years to make sure it’s in good condition.

Also, be sure to let your renters or buyers know that the fire escape should be kept clear. If it’s used as extra storage space, it won’t function as a life-saving exit when a fire occurs.

#5: Do You Have a Written Fire Safety Plan?

Last but not least, be sure to write down the fire safety plan and leave it somewhere everyone can see it. This is legally required for landlords, but it can be a nice touch when selling, too.

All in all, it’s not a difficult process to get your Brooklyn apartment into fire-safe condition. And whether you’re selling or renting it out, it’s an essential process to go through. Let us know if you have any questions, whether regarding fire safety or becoming a landlord/selling your home. We’re happy to talk through any situation with you!