Ask the Experts: Fire Safety FAQ for NYC Residents

The best way to prevent a tragedy is preparedness. To help residents stay informed and prepared for a fire emergency, we fielded questions from hundreds of New York City residents and created a glossary of answers and best practices. Click below to navigate to a specific section of our glossary, or continue to scroll for the entire guide.
 

1. What should I do if there’s a fire in my building?
    
2. What is the difference between a fireproof (non-combustible) and a non-fireproof (combustible) building?
    
3. How can I tell if my building is fireproof or non-fireproof?
    
4. Where can I find my building’s Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Guide?
    
5. Why is it important to close doors during a fire emergency?
    
6. What information should I provide to 911?
    
7. How will FDNY communicate with residents during an emergency?
    
8. What type of fire extinguisher should I have?
    
9. How do I use a fire extinguisher?
    
10. Where should I keep my fire extinguisher?
     
11. How often should fire extinguishers be checked or replaced?
     
12. Are space heaters safe to use?
     
13. Are fire blankets better than fire extinguishers?
     
14. How often should smoke detectors, CO detectors, and natural gas detectors be tested or replaced?
     
15. What should I do if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds?
     

 

What should I do if there’s a fire in my building?

Evacuation procedures typically depend on two critical factors:

• Whether your building is fireproof (non-combustible) or non-fireproof (combustible)
   
• Whether the fire is in your apartment or another area of the building

If the fire is not in your apartment and you live in a non-combustible building:

• Open windows a few inches at top and bottom unless flames and smoke are coming from below
   
• Do not break any windows
   
• If conditions appear life-threatening, open a window and wave a towel or sheet to attract the attention of firefighters
   
• If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, get down on the floor and take short breaths through your nose
   
• Stay inside your apartment and listen for instructions from firefighters unless conditions become dangerous
   
• Seal the doors to your apartment with wet towels or sheets and seal air ducts or other openings where smoke may enter with duct tape
   
• If possible, retreat to a balcony or terrace from the source of the flames, heat, or smoke

 If the fire is not in your apartment: Combustible buildings

• Feel the door and doorknob for heat — if not hot, open the door slightly and check the hallway for smoke, heat, or fire
   
• Exit the apartment and building if you can safely do so
   
• If the hallway or stairwell is not safe because of smoke, heat, or fire and you have access to a fire escape, use it to exit the building while proceeding cautiously and always carry or hold onto small children
   
• If you cannot use the stairs or fire escape, call 911 and tell them your address, floor, apartment number, and the number of people in your apartment
   
• Seal the doors to your apartment with wet towels or sheets and seal air ducts or other openings where smoke may enter with duct tape
   
• Open windows a few inches at top and bottom unless flames and smoke are coming from below
   
• Do not break any windows
   
• If conditions appear life-threatening, open a window and wave a towel or sheet to attract the attention of firefighters
   
• If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, get down on the floor and take short breaths through your nose — if possible, retreat to a balcony or terrace from the source of the flames, heat, or smoke

  If the fire is in your apartment, regardless of construction type:

• Close the door to the room where the fire is and leave the apartment
   
• Make sure everyone leaves the apartment with you
   
• Take your keys and close, but do not lock, your apartment door
   
• Use the nearest stairwell that is free of smoke to exit the building
   
• Do not use the elevators
   
• Call 911 once you reach a safe location (never assume a fire has been reported)
   
• Meet the members of your household at a predetermined location outside the building
   
• Notify responding firefighters if anyone is unaccounted for

 

What is the difference between a fireproof (non-combustible) and a non-fireproof (combustible) building?

Fireproof buildings are made of fire-resistant materials like steel or concrete to help prevent the spread of fire, heat, and smoke. Fireproof (non-combustible) does not mean that the building is immune to fire. While the structural components may not catch on fire, the contents may generate life-threatening heat and smoke.

Non-fireproof buildings use wood or other combustible materials, particularly in framing, which means that fire can spread more quickly between units.
 

How can I tell if my building is fireproof or non-fireproof?

Apartment units are required to have a back-of-door “Fire Safety Notice” that includes information about your building’s construction type. Your building’s Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan, located in the “Building Information” section of the “NYC Apartment Building Emergency Preparedness Guide,” will also include this information.
 

Where can I find my building’s Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Guide?

The NYC Fire Code requires your building’s Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Guide to be posted in a common area of the property. It also requires the guide to be distributed to all residents and staff upon move-in and hire, and again at least every three years. The document provides building-specific information including:

• Whether the building is combustible or non-combustible
   
• Year construction was completed
   
• Number of floors
   
• Exit routes
   
• Information about on-site fire alarm and suppression systems
   
• The owner or owner’s representative’s contact information

Why is it important to close doors during a fire emergency?

When doors are left open during a fire, flames, heat, and smoke can spread rapidly through hallways and stairwells. Closing doors can isolate these hazards, giving residents more time to evacuate, and helping firefighters contain the blaze. NYC Local Law 111 requires all doors providing access to apartments, hallways, and stairwells to be self-closing or equipped with a closing device. Notify building staff immediately if your apartment door is not self-closing so they can remedy the situation.
 

What information should I provide to 911?

When calling 911, include the following information:

• Your building address
   
• The building entrance that provides the most direct access to the emergency
   
• The number of people who need assistance
   
• Your chief complaint or present condition
   
• Any hazards involved in your emergency
   
• Your name and number for a return call

Always follow the exact instructions of the 911 operator. After calling 911, notify building staff so they are prepared for first responders.
 

How will FDNY communicate with residents during an emergency?

Once firefighters have located the source of the fire, they’ll move through the building to provide instructions or help escort residents out of the building, if necessary. Some newer, high-rise buildings are equipped with a P.A. system that allows the building manager to make an announcement as instructed by the fire chief.
 

What type of fire extinguisher should I have?

Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire that they will extinguish. NY Fire Consultants recommends a five- or ten-pound ABC fire extinguisher, which is effective against common types of fires in an ordinary household:

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, rubber, fabrics, and many plastics
   
• Class B: Flammable liquids and gases like gasoline, oil, paint, lacquer, and tar
   
• Class C: Fires involving live electrical equipment

 

How do I use a fire extinguisher?

If the fire is small and you feel confident that the decision to fight the fire will not result in additional risk to yourself or others:

– Call 911 and get everyone out of the residence.

– Always keep a clear evacuation path behind you as you fight the fire.

– Stay low to avoid toxic smoke and fumes as well as the extinguishing agents.

To increase your chances of successfully and safely extinguishing the fire, use the PASS technique:

• Pull the pin, hold the extinguisher upright and away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
   
• Aim low, pointing the extinguisher at the base of the fire from a safe distance.
   
• Squeeze the handle/lever slowly and evenly.
   
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

If the fire does not extinguish quickly or reignites, get out of the apartment, making sure to close all doors behind you.
 

Where should I keep my fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers are commonly stored under the kitchen sink, but this area can be difficult to access quickly in the event of a kitchen fire. Place extinguishers on an accessible shelf with the operating instructions facing outward, or hang extinguishers in plain sight with the brackets supplied by the manufacturer. Extinguishers should be 3.5 to 5 feet above the floor and out of the reach of small children.
 

How often should fire extinguishers be checked or replaced?

Test and replace your fire extinguisher according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Register your extinguisher with the manufacturer so you are alerted to any updates or recalls. Fire extinguishers should be refilled or replaced after each use, even if only a short burst of extinguishing agent is discharged.
 

Are space heaters safe to use?

When purchasing a space heater, look for an electric model with automatic shut-off features. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels before using your space heater. Common safety tips include:

• Keep combustible materials, including furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, and curtains at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear.
   
• Never leave an operating heater unattended. Always unplug it when not in use.
   
• Never use your heater with a power strip or extension cord, and don’t plug any other electrical device into the same outlet as your heater. Overheating could result in a fire.
   
• Never place any electrical cord under area rugs or carpets.
   
• Keep children away from heaters and never place one in a child’s room without supervision.

For more space heater safety tips, view our Fire Safety and Preparedness Guide.
 

Are fire blankets better than fire extinguishers?

We do not recommend fire blankets. They are designed to smother small flames and must be deployed in close proximity to the fire. This increases your risk of burns and exposure to smoke and fumes. A small fire extinguisher allows you to maintain a safe distance while handling a variety of common household fires.
 

How often should smoke detectors, CO detectors, and natural gas detectors be tested or replaced?

Replace batteries at least every six months. Press the test button on your device(s) at least once per month to be sure alarms are working. Devices should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or at least every 10 years.
 

What should I do if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds?

Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm and do not try to find the source of the gas. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Immediately move outside to fresh air.
    
2. Call 911.
    
3. Do a head count to account for everyone.
    
4. Do not reenter the premises until instructed to do so by emergency responders.
    
5. Seek prompt medical help if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

 

Do you have a question about fire safety in your condo, co-op, or multifamily rental building? Contact us today.