Fire Escape Tips for Seniors
Don't be scared – be prepared. Have an escape plan – it’s one of the most important steps you can take to save your own life.
- If you live in a multi-story home, consider sleeping on the ground floor near an exit.
- Know at least two exits from every room.
- If you live in an apartment building, know where the exit stair-wells are located.
- Make sure a phone is next to your bed and withing reach – or a TTY/TDD device if you use one.
- Keep your eyeglasses and hearing aids if you use them within reach next to your bed.
- If your fire escape window has security bars or a gate, make sure it is stamped with the FDNY approval numbers.
- Practice unlocking and opening the windows, security gates and doors.
- Keep stairways, halls and exits clear of clutted and storage. Do not store anything on building fire escapes.
