Fire

If your smoke detector goes off or if you notice a fire, remain calm. Do not try to fight a major fire. If your clothes catch on fire, Stop where you are, Drop to the ground, and Roll over and over to smother the flames. If you live in a high-rise multiple dwelling and the fire is not in your apartment, stay in your apartment rather than entering smoke-filled hallways.

• In high-rise office buildings, only evacuate if the fire is on your floor or the one above it, and descend to the second floor below the fire floor. Other occupants should remain on their floor and monitor the PA system for further instructions.
• If a fire breaks out in your house or non-fireproof apartment building, get out as quickly as possible.
• Feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them. If they are hot, find another way out. Stay as close to the floor as possible – smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor.
• Close doors behind you.
• If you are unable to get out for any reason, stay near a window and close to the floor. Close the door and stuff the bottom with a towel to avoid smoke. If possible, signal for help by waving a cloth or sheet outside the window.
• Call 9-1-1 from a safe place such as a neighbor's house.
• Do not stop to get anything.
• Do not use the elevator.
• To prevent fires, keep an ABC-type fire extinguisher and working smoke detectors in the house. Check batteries twice a year at daylight-saving time.
• Consider renter's insurance if you rent an apartment.

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Earthquakes

Although major earthquakes are uncommon, tremors occasionally occur and residents should be prepared. Drop to the floor. Take cover under a solid piece of furniture or next to an interior wall. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to a sturdy piece of furniture and be prepared to move with it. Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Be prepared for aftershocks, which often follow an earthquake. Note that after an earthquake, your utilities may be disrupted.

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