Susan Lindenmuth
Public Relations Manager
21500 Three Oaks Parkway
Estero, FL 33928

Office: (239) 390-8000

Email:
lindenmuth@esterofire.org
www.esterofire.org

Prevention Tips

Never keep rubbish in the hallway. Make sure it is stored properly and collected  regularly.

Don’t put items in the trash chute that are too big and may get stuck. Things caught in the chute easily can turn a fire in the lower floors into a fire on higher floors.

Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.  Short circuits are the cause of many fires.

Cook with care. Keep a tight fitting lid near by that can be used to smother stove fires.

Never smoke in bed and make sure that there are no smoldering butts when you empty ashtrays.

Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries twice a year.

Make sure that your apartment door is tight-fitting, self-closing type of door in compliance with the fire code.

Inspect your exit stair doors. They must be self-closing, snap shut and unlock from both sides. If they don’t meet this standard, report it to the superintendent or the Fire Department.

Things to know:

The layout of your floor.

The location of all stair exits from your floor.

The number of doors between  your apartment and the exit stairs. This is essential knowledge to find the exit in the dark.

Where your apartment key is located. Take the key with you if you are forced to evacuate.

The location of fire alarm pull stations

Things to Do:

Keep flashlights ready and in a handy place.

Install and maintain smoke alarms. Owners of high-rise buildings are required by law to install one alarm in each apartment, but maintenance is up to you.

Report fire hazards to your building superintendent. Blocked exits, piled trash, missing exit lights and open fire doors are violations of the law. If your superintendent doesn’t correct them call the Fire Department (239) 390-8000, and report the condition. Your life may depend on getting the violation corrected.