Fire Safety

FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR WILLOUGHBY RESIDENTS

We have been fortunate not to have a serious fire since 2004. However, because the Willoughby is an independent living building, everyone is responsible for having a plan to escape a fire, including for any children. 

Following are some guidelines you should know If you smell smoke or see fire, you should pull the fire alarm in the hall, leave the building, and call 911.

• If you smell gas, call 911 from a safe location and then alert The Willoughby South Desk (301-657-9800) who will contact Washington Gas as well. The gas company has sophisticated gas detection meters and trained technicians to determine the source of the gas. 

BEFORE THERE IS A FIRE

  • Read the Willoughby’s fire evacuation plan. It is available from the Management Office.
  • Plan and practice TWO ways out of the building using the two stairwells near your apartment.
  • Count the number of doors between your apartment door and the nearest stairwell or exit (if there is a fire, you may have to find the stairwell while crawling down the hall in the dark).
  • Locate the fire alarm pull station nearest to your apartment.
  • Do NOT disconnect your smoke alarms. They are one of your best protections. If the battery starts “chirping,” alert the Management Office so the battery can be changed.
  • If you cannot evacuate yourself from your apartment in the case of a fire or other emergency, give the Management Office your name and unit number in advance. The list of those needing evacuation assistance is provided to the Fire Department when it arrives. These residents should remain in their apartment until evacuated by the Fire Department, which will be done only if necessary.
  • As a reminder, all owners, investor owners, and renters should carry insurance to cover their personal possessions in case of a fire, smoke damage, or water damage.

 

IF THERE IS A FIRE IN YOUR APARTMENT

  • Call 911 immediately if you can.
  • Close the door leading to the room containing the fire. Closing any door(s) will help to control the spread of smoke and fire.
  • If your escape route has smoke, crawl low under the smoke. Stay close to the floor where the air is less toxic and the visibility is better.
  • As you leave the building, pull the fire alarm in the hall.

 

IF THERE IS A FIRE IN THE BUILDING

  • When you hear the fire alarm, use a stairwell to leave the building if you are able.
  • If you smell smoke, or see smoke or flames, and the fire alarm is not ringing, pull the fire alarm in the hall on your way out and call 911 when you reach a safe location.
  • Do NOT call the front desk to ask why the alarms are ringing. The staff has responsibilities in an emergency and resident calls distract them from those responsibilities.
  • Do NOT stop at the desks in the North and South lobbies to ask questions. Let the staff do their job.
  • Do NOT stop Firefighters to ask questions.
  • NEVER use an elevator in the event of a fire (the elevator might lose power or might unexpectedly open at the fire floor).
  • Go directly outside (not to the parking garage).
  • Residents of the South Building should assemble in the GEICO Parking Lot.
  • Residents of the North Building should assemble at the Village Center.
  • Do NOT go back inside until the Fire Department has given permission to do so.

 

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN AN APARTMENT DUE TO SMOKE OR FLAMES

  • Call 911 to explain where you are.
  • Let firefighters know you are trapped by waving a bright (white or yellow) cloth in the window or by using a flashlight at night. If you are unable to physically leave the building
  • If you are registered with the Management Office as someone needing assistance in evacuation, the Fire Department will evacuate you if it is necessary.
  • Put as many closed doors/rooms as you can between you and the fire. Seal all vents and cracks around doors with towels or clothing if possible.
  • Do not open a window if smoke is near.