Apartment & Condo Fire Safety

A simple, colorful illustration of a yellow building with a red roof, flanked by a green tree and a blue sky.

Apartment and condo fires can spread quickly, and smoke is often the greatest danger. Every resident should know how to prevent fires, how to escape safely, and what to do if trapped.

Quick Facts

According to national fire safety data, many apartment and condo fires begin in kitchens and are often caused by cooking, heating equipment, or electrical problems.

Fires are more common during the winter months and often occur during evening hours, when more people are home and active.

Fire Safety Tips

Cooking Safety

Many residential fires start in the kitchen.

  • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
  • Keep anything that can burn away from the stove.
  • If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
  • Never use water on a grease fire.

See more info on cooking safety.

Smoke Alarms

  • Test smoke alarms monthly.
  • Replace batteries as needed unless sealed 10-year alarms are installed.
  • Never remove batteries because of nuisance alarms.
  • Report missing or non-working alarms immediately to building management.

See more info on smoke alarms.

Building Safety

  • Do not prop open exit or stairway doors.
  • Keep hallways, stairwells, and exits clear.
  • Notify management if you see damaged smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, or emergency lighting.

Be Prepared

  • Know at least two ways out of your building if possible.
  • Locate all exit doors and stairwells on your floor.
  • Count the number of doors between your apartment and the nearest exit.
  • Learn your building evacuation plan.
  • Create and practice an escape plan for your household.

Learn more about evacuating.

A glowing red exit sign hangs against a dark background, indicating the way out.

If Fire Starts

Leave Safely

  • Leave immediately if it is safe to do so.
  • Close doors behind you as you leave if possible.
  • Use the stairs. Never use an elevator during a fire.
  • Stay low if you encounter smoke.

If You Cannot Leave

  • Check your apartment door with the back of your hand before opening it.
  • If the door is hot, do not open it.
  • Call 9-1-1 and give your exact apartment number.
  • Seal cracks around the door with towels, bedding, or tape.
  • Go to a window and signal for help with a flashlight or light-colored cloth.

Once Outside

  • Stay outside and away from the building.
  • Never go back inside for any reason.
  • Tell firefighters if you believe someone may still be inside.
  • Re-enter only when firefighters say it is safe.

Fire Safety Checklist

Make sure these statements are true for your home:

  • I have at least one working smoke alarm.
  • Electrical cords are in good condition.
  • No cords run under rugs or across walkways.
  • Space heaters are at least three feet from anything that can burn.
  • Windows can be opened easily from the inside.
  • Fire escape windows are clear and unobstructed.
  • Stairwells and hallways are free of storage and trash.
  • Exit lights are working properly.
  • My household has a fire escape plan.

Quick Tips to Share

Share these graphics with your family and friends to spread the word! We encourage you to print these and also share on social

Safety poster advising to use stairs, not elevators, in emergencies, issued by FEMA and U.S. Fire Administration.
An illustration of a hand pulling a fire alarm with text instructing to notify the fire department and neighbors in case of a fire.
An emergency evacuation map with exit routes and a message about knowing stair locations in case of fire or smoke.
Visual aid for fire safety with text
Safety message about keeping exit doors clear of clutter, unlocked, and well-marked, with logos of FEMA and US Fire Administration.
Visual aid for fire safety with text
Safety poster advising to use stairs, not elevators, in emergencies, issued by FEMA and U.S. Fire Administration.
An illustration of a hand pulling a fire alarm with text instructing to notify the fire department and neighbors in case of a fire.
An emergency evacuation map with exit routes and a message about knowing stair locations in case of fire or smoke.
Visual aid for fire safety with text
Safety message about keeping exit doors clear of clutter, unlocked, and well-marked, with logos of FEMA and US Fire Administration.
Visual aid for fire safety with text

Source for Content: National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration.