Fire Emergency Tips for Chicagoland Apartment Residents

Fire Emergency Tips for Chicagoland Apartment Residents

Living in an apartment in Chicago? Here are the essential fire safety tips that could save your life.

Apartment Living in Chicago: A Unique Fire Safety Challenge

According to U.S. Census data, over 20% of Americans live in apartments or condos, and in Chicago alone, tens of thousands of new apartment units have been built over the last decade. In Cook County, there are nearly 800,000 rental units, many of which are located in multi-story buildings.

While apartment living offers convenience and community, it also introduces unique fire risks, particularly during evacuation in the event of an emergency. Fires in apartments can spread rapidly through walls, hallways, and ventilation systems, often affecting multiple units simultaneously.

That’s why understanding how to prepare for and respond to a fire in a multi-unit building is essential.

1. Know Your Building’s Fire Alarm System

Your building's fire alarm system is your first line of defense. Familiarize yourself with how it works:

• Understand the components: Most apartment buildings utilize a combination of smoke detectors, manual pull stations, and audible and visual alarms.
• Manual alarm boxes: Know their location. They're often located near stairwells or main exits.
• Burnt toast doesn't trigger the whole building: Smoke alarms inside your unit are often standalone. This prevents building-wide evacuations for minor issues.
• Don't ignore alarms: If you hear one, leave immediately unless told otherwise by first responders.
• Only pull an alarm if there is real smoke or fire. False alarms endanger lives by creating complacency and diverting emergency resources.

2. Create (and Practice) a Fire Escape Plan

Getting out of a high-rise or mid-rise apartment during a fire is different from a single-family home. Here's how to prepare:

• Locate all stairwells in the building, not just the one nearest you. You may need to use an alternate route.
• Before opening any doors during a fire, test with the back of your hand. If it's hot, find an alternative exit.
• Take your keys with you. If conditions worsen, you may need to return and shelter in place.
• Close doors behind you to slow the spread of smoke and flames.
• If trapped, call 911 immediately. Seal the door with wet towels, open a window, and signal for help using a flashlight or a light-colored cloth.

3. Fire Prevention Starts at Home

The best way to survive a fire is to prevent one in the first place. Apartment residents should:

• Keep exits (doors and windows) clear of furniture and clutter.
• Never store flammable items (like propane tanks or gasoline) indoors.
• Clean grease and debris from stovetops and ovens.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and unplugging appliances when not in use.
• Report maintenance issues (like exposed wiring, broken detectors, or blocked exits) to your landlord or property manager immediately.

If concerns aren’t addressed, you can file a complaint with your local building department or fire marshal.

4. Before You Sign a Lease: Fire Safety Checklist

Looking for a new apartment in the Chicagoland area? Use this checklist to make sure your next home is fire-safe:

• Is there a working smoke detector in every room, including bedrooms and hallways?
• Are fire extinguishers visible and accessible in common areas?
• Is the building equipped with an integrated fire alarm system and clearly marked emergency exits?
• Do stairwells and hallways remain clear of clutter or stored items?
• Are there multiple exits from the apartment in case one route is blocked?
• Does the landlord regularly test and maintain alarms and safety systems?
• Can you easily locate and use the manual fire alarm boxes?
• Are fire safety rules and procedures posted in common areas?
• Is the electrical wiring up to code and free of exposed cables or overloaded power strips?
• Have there been any recent fire code violations or fire incidents in the building?

Don't sign a lease unless you can confidently answer "yes" to most of these questions.

For Apartment Managers & Owners: Get Professional Fire Damage Restoration Fast

If you're a property manager or owner of a multi-unit apartment in Chicagoland and have experienced a fire, don’t delay professional cleanup and recovery. Fire, smoke, and water damage can spread rapidly and significantly impact the livability of your tenants' homes.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we specialize in restoring apartment and condo buildings after fire disasters. Our services help you:

• Minimize revenue loss
• Ensure code compliance
• Protect your property’s value
• Return tenants to safe, clean units quickly

📞 Call us 24/7 at 773-376-1110 or contact us online.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a trusted name in disaster restoration across Chicago and the North Shore. We bring over 40 years of experience, IICRC-certified technicians, and a track record of award-winning service.

We offer:

• Fire and smoke damage restoration
• Water and flood cleanup
• Mold remediation
• Content cleaning and specialty services for residential and commercial clients

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve:

• City of Chicago: West Loop, Lincoln Park, South Shore, Hyde Park, Uptown
• North Shore: Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Highland Park
• Western Suburbs: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park

Learn More

Want to be even more prepared? Check out our book:
RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset by Sam Simon and Nasutsa Mabwa.

Let us restore your peace of mind™.