Fire Safety in Apartments During Winter

Yesterday before heading home, we bumped into a commotion just a block away where our apartment is located. Ryan was hyped to witness what's going on so we decided to take a peek. Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances crowded the streets saving an apartment that is on fire. I am quite hesitant to come closer since it is not my attitude to meddle with commotions but since Ryan was persistent I gave in. First thing I saw was a lady on the third floor of the building trying to escape from her window. Then I saw more people from the higher floors flickering their lights. Then there were a number of people who stayed at the rooftop of the building. The smoke was thick while the fire team was extinguishing it. Everyone was waiting for their turn to be attended.

Thick smoke from the building

Fire team saving the occupants from the higher floors

fire trucks. There were also ambulances and police cars doing their duties. 

We stayed for almost an hour witnessing the situation. But then we decided to go home since it was really freezing outside. That reminded me that it's wintertime. Fire will become a rampant tragedy to apartments and houses because of overheated oil heaters or water heaters. Just in time to be aware since we are carrying our newly bought oil heater to give us additional warmth during this cold season. Kuwait normally reaches negative degrees during January to February. The fire scenario alarmed me to familiarize the safety practices to prevent or survive fire situations.

Living in an apartment poses more danger. The tragedy multiplies to how many families are residing to this building. It's like I might be doing all the safety measures but if the other occupants are not doing their roles then still we are prone to danger. But as a good citizen, at least we know what should be the measures to avoid being the triggering flat room of fire.

Here is a nice file you can read which tackles the preventive measures in apartments: Fire Safety in Apartments

Aside from those reminders:

1) If you have oil heaters or water heaters with you, turn them off when you are about to go to sleep or when you leave your flats. Turn them off and allow them to cool down. Even good products have their limits.

2) Never crowd your electrical outlets. Short circuits are common fire sources. Also remember to always have clutter-free kitchens. Fire situations in apartments are usually from kitchens.

3) Know and plan your escape route in case of emergency. Just like what I have mentioned, you really can't be safe if others are not doing their responsibilities so better know how to save yourself if that happens. Ask your harris (flat guard) the escape route of your flat. They are not offering the information so initiate.

4) Never use your elevator in escaping! That is not just a good idea. USE THE STAIRS.

5)  Always prepare and know the locations of your keys, flashlight/light colored cloth (to signal firefighters in case you are trap), blanket (you can wet to cover your body for you not be harmed by fire), and your documents and valuables. Since I am an expat, my documents are as important as my life.

6) If fire comes from the floor below yours then do not combat it try to go at your rooftop. If it is above you then go down and stay away immediately. If you insist in going down and you have to evade the thick smoke, remember to CRAWL (10" to 24" will give you better air to breathe). Surely there can be combustion so be cautious on your decisions and assess the situation properly. The firefighting team of Kuwait is commendable since they respond immediately. As long as the fire source is extinguished then you'll feel safer.

Those are the reminders I have learned from what I witnessed. Take prevention and precautions. And do not forget to be vigilant at all times.