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home > your house > prevent > hallway and stairs
  
 

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[Hallway and Stairs]

Having a fire start in a stairway or hallway isn't such a concern, but it's essential to keep them clear so you and your family members can easily pass through in case a fire should occur.
  
  [Hallway Clutter] [Hallway Clutter]

  • Is there a lot of clutter being stored on the stairs or in the hallway? Bikes, books, toys and plants—anything that could potentially block your way in a fire—should be removed. Remember that, in a fire, it may be difficult to see, and these normal, everyday items could become confusing obstacles.
  • Clutter doesn’t just complicate your family’s escape from a fire—it can cause harm to firefighters who are coming into your home to put the fire out. Remember, they’ll have no idea what all these things are blocking their way, and could be caught in the smoke and flames.
  
  [Doors] [Doors]

  • Are all your doors self-closing fire doors? If not, be sure you close all doors behind you in the event of a fire. This helps keep the fire from spreading, as it can’t get as much oxygen.
  • If you have self-closing fire doors (high-rise apartments and hotels are equipped with them), have all obstacles, such as doormats) that would prevent the door from closing been removed?
  
  [Elevators] [Elevators]

  • If you live in a high-rise apartment, or are staying in a hotel, do you know where the fire stairs are located? Elevators should never be used in the event of a fire. Not only could they stop unexpectedly if the electricity goes off, but they can help the fire spread by delivering oxygen to the flames.
 
  [Smoke Alarms] [Smoke Alarms]

  • Is there a working smoke alarm installed in or just outside every sleeping area? If you have a smoke alarm, it should be mounted high on a wall or ceiling.
  • Has your smoke alarm or heat detector been tested recently? Batteries should be changed at least twice a year (daylight savings time is a good way to remember), and the alarm should be tested once a month. If the alarm is mounted too high to reach, use a broom handle to push the test button.
  • Is your smoke alarm more than 10 years old? If so, it should be replaced.
  • Is your smoke alarm near any air conditioning outlets? Because of the heat, they should be at least 4 inches away.
  • Is your smoke alarm near any sources of steam or moving air? They should be mounted at least 4 feet away from bathroom entrances and air conditioning vents.
  • For more information on installing and maintaining smoke alarms, go to http://www.nfpa.org
  
 


[Brians Fire]

I thought the fire was out... but the cigarette burn was still smoldering inside the couch!


[Brian Escapes]

I started yelling "Fire! Fire! Call 911!", and then I just took off down the stairs.


[Robertos Fire]

I knew I had a lot of things plugged in to one outlet... but that extension cord got red hot!


[Roberto Escapes]

It was so confusing in the smoke. And all that stuff I'd kept in the hallway—it was like being caught in a spider's web!
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