Special hazards that affect people who live in apartments

An apartment fire may happen and it may not be your fault it may be caused by faulty construction or electrical work.

In the Tampa area there are people that have family living in an apartment condo, or townhouse. They call this dwelling their home. Those families should be able to live in a normal safe condition. There are laws for electrical work & wiring to prevent fires. Sometimes fires, gas leaks or water main breaks ruin apartment walk up homes. An apartment fire may sometimes be prevented. If an apartment fire occurred, collect all the negligent information and give it to our lawyers we will inform you of your legal case...

If you have been injured or suffer from an apartment fire that you believe was not your fault, contact our law office today to find out your legal options.YOU DO HAVE APARTMENT SAFE LIVING RIGHTS.

• Often, there is only one way in or out---no back door.
• Stairways are often built entirely of wood. If the stairwell or walkway is on fire, you may not be able to exit through the front door.
• Congested parking can mean blocked fire hydrants and/or blocked fire lanes. (A ladder truck can be 8 to 9-feet wide and 50-feet long. A blocked fire lane can slow down response time.)
• An apartment building is, in effect, a very densely populated neighborhood. (If the downstairs or next-door apartment is on fire, it can spread quickly to adjoining apartments in a matter of minutes.)
• Without properly working smoke alarms, it make take a long time before you find out that another part of the apartment building is on fire. Consequently, this could cut your chances of getting out of the building alive.

Tips for Living Safely in Apartment Buildings That Apartment Management Should Have Enforced Are Below.

If any of below were not enforced and a fire ruined your home or apartment you may have legal rights to recover your losses.

Make sure you have smoke alarms that work.
The Fire Code requires working smoke alarm(s) in every apartment unit. Existing apartments require smoke alarms in the hallway outside sleeping areas. Newly constructed apartments now require them IN the sleep room, as well. Remember to check the batteries once a month, and replace the batteries once a year.

The apartment complex is required to have a fire extinguisher within 75-feet travel distance.
If extinguishers are not provided outside the apartments, then each apartment is required to have one.

The Fire Code states that no person shall use fixed or portable barbecues in or under any attached covered patios, balconies, covered walkways or roof overhangs.
When in use, barbecues should be located on ground level and be a minimum of 5-feet from buildings, structures, covered walkways or roof overhangs.

Don’t park in front of fire hydrants and don’t park in fire lanes.
Respecting the fire restrictions may literally save your life. When friends visit, be sure to remind them to park only in appropriate parking areas.

Never leave smoking materials burning. Never smoke in bed.
In 2001, the most common cause of apartment fires was careless disposal of smoking materials.

Have a fire escape plan. Practice it.
Know at least two ways to get out of your apartment. Pick a family meeting place outside the apartment building. Don’t use elevators (they may take you right into the fire.)

Make sure there’s a number on your apartment door.
If there isn’t, contact management.

Keep a copy of your apartment number and apartment building number, inside your apartment, near the phone.
The information will then be handy for babysitters, and it will be there if you panic.

Complex owners and managers need to be sure gated driveways are accessible to firefighters.
75-percent of multi-housing complexes are now gated. Work with the fire department to make sure access requirements are met.

Don’t run extension cords under carpets or from unit-to-unit.
They can easily overheat. Extension cords are for temporary use only. They are not to be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Get acquainted with the elderly folks in your building.
If there’s a fire, they may have extra difficulty getting out. You may be able to help them, or you can direct firefighters to the elderly person’s apartment.