Apartment Fires
When living in an apartment, it is important to understand your responsibility to other residents in the building. When so many people are living in such close proximity, the irresponsible or careless behavior of one party can have profound and devastating consequences for everyone else. Sadly, apartment fires are all too common and cause tragic injuries, fatalities, and property loss.
Preventing Apartment Fires
Often, apartment fires could have been prevented had residents taken proper fire safety precautions. If you live in an apartment, remember:
- Never overload circuits. Use a power strip when you must plug in multiple items.
- Use bulbs with the appropriate wattage for light fixtures.
- Buy appliances with an automatic shut-off feature. If you accidentally leave the item turned on, it will turn itself off before it overheats.
- Keep flammables and clutter away from heating elements to prevent fires and damage to wiring.
- Keep your cooking appliances clean. If food builds up around heating elements, over time this buildup can become fuel for fires.
- Never use portable charcoal grills on apartment patios.
- Keep a portable fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher in case of a small fire.
- Install and regularly test smoke alarms. Replace the battery as needed or at least once per year.
- Know your fire exits, and have an alternate escape route planned.
- Never park your car in front of apartment fire hydrants.
Apartment residents should each follow common-sense safety procedures to ensure the health and safety of neighbors. In addition, it is the responsibility of the apartment complex manager or owner to install proper fire sprinkler systems and other fire prevention systems to guarantee the safety of residents and their property.
Contact Us
If you have been injured or suffered losses in a fire, contact the Iowa personal injury lawyers of LaMarca & Landry at 877-327-2600.
