Posted: 10/30/2017
Parkland burn, safety experts offer protection tips
With deadly high-rise fires making headlines in London and Honolulu this year, burn and safety experts at Parkland Health & Hospital System stress the importance of knowing the fire safety features in buildings where you live and work.
From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 14,500 reported structure fires in high-rise buildings per year, according to a 2016 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report. These fires caused an average of 40 deaths, 520 injuries and $154 million in direct property damage per year.
“Everywhere you look, especially in major metropolitan areas, there are high-rise apartment, condominium and office towers,” said Shelli Stephens-Stidham, Director of the Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas, housed at Parkland. “People who live and work in a high-rise building need to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire.”
Dallas is home to 262 high-rises with more under construction. And of those, 28 stand taller than 400 feet. The tallest building in the city is the 72-story Bank of America Plaza, which rises 921 feet in Downtown Dallas and was completed in 1985.
For the best protection, the NFPA recommends selecting a fully sprinklered building. If the building is not sprinklered, ask the landlord or management company to consider installing a sprinkler system.
“Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features in your building,” Stephens-Stidham said. “These include things such as fire alarms, sprinklers, voice communication procedures, evacuation plans and how to respond to an alarm.”
The NFPA says it’s critical that residents or staff know the locations of all available exit stairs from your floor in case the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke. In addition:
• Make sure all exit and stairwell doors are clearly marked, not locked or blocked by security bars by fire or smoke.
• If there is a fire, pull the fire alarm on your way out to notify the fire department, your neighbors and or co-workers.
• If the fire alarm sounds, feel the door before opening and close all doors behind you as you leave. If it is hot, use another way out. If it is cool, leave by the nearest way out.
• If an announcement is made throughout the building, listen carefully and follow directions.
• Use the stairs to get out – never use the elevator unless you are directed to by the fire department.
“Fire drills are essential because the exit that you are most familiar with may be blocked in the event of a fire. You should practice finding alternative exits in case conditions are dark and smoky. Once you exit the building, go to your outside meeting place and stay there,” said Stephanie Campbell, RN, Parkland’s Burn Program Manager. “If you know of someone who can’t get out because of fire, smoke or a disability, notify the fire department immediately.”
High-rise fires can quickly fill areas of the building with toxic smoke. Parkland’s Burn Center regularly treats patients with inhalation injuries suffered while trapped in a burning structure.
“Smoke contains carbon monoxide and other dangerous chemicals that can cause life-threatening damage to your lungs. Smoke rises, so be sure to crawl low when exiting the building if smoke is present,” Campbell said. “If you find that you are not able to exit the building during a fire, close the doors to your apartment and place wet towels or sheets around the doors and vents. Open a window slightly and wave something brightly colored to let the fire department know your location.”
High-rise fires can present unique challenges but like with any structure, having an escape plan and practicing that plan may save a life.
For information about the Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas, visit www.injurypreventioncenter.org. For information about services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhospital.com