Plenty of Bronx homes are in older walk-up buildings with steam heat, narrow halls and an iron fire escape out back. They have a lot of character, and they also need a plan. Here is the one we use, in the order we would do it.
1. Check the alarms every Thursday
New York requires working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in apartments. Press the test button once a week. Thursday is our day, which is why our safety shelf lives there. Replace any alarm that is more than ten years old.
2. Put a fire blanket by the kitchen door
Most home fires start in the kitchen. Hang a fire blanket near the way out of the kitchen, not directly over the stove, so you can reach it without leaning over flames. Pull the tabs, cover the pan, turn off the heat and leave it covered.
3. Know your two ways out
- Walk your main route to the street: door, hallway, stairs.
- Find your second route. That might be the fire escape window or a neighbor's stairwell.
- Keep the fire escape window clear. No air conditioner, plants or locked gates that need a key.
4. Watch the old wiring
Older buildings have older wiring. Do not run space heaters through power strips, and consider a plug-in sensor that warns you about electrical problems before they turn into a fire.
5. Practice once, together
Pick a meeting spot outside, like the corner deli or a lamppost, and walk it once with everyone who lives with you. It takes five minutes and it is the step most people skip.
This article is general information, not professional advice. For building-specific fire safety questions, contact your landlord or the FDNY.
