Fires happen unexpectedly. A fire may start from an unattended pot in a kitchen, an overloaded electrical circuit, a child playing with matches, or just plain bad luck, like a lightning strike. You can take action to make sure you prevent fires and can come out of an unexpected disaster alive.

Helpful Downloads Click for HFD safety information sheets. Other Resources Try the following links for more information about fire safety and how you can make your home fire safe: Houston Fire Department ABC 13

The Houston Apartment Association has joined forces with ABC Channel 13, the Houston Fire Department and other sponsors in the Operation Save a Life Program to help promote fire safety. We urge apartment residents to take time to check the fire safety equipment in their apartment units.

Every apartment home has a smoke detector, but it is important to check and change the batteries annually to ensure they work properly. With this simple act, we can save lives and property damage.

Consider the following:

• Make sure your smoke detector has fresh batteries. Test your smoke detector regularly and make fresh batteries something you do at the start of every year.
• Know how to use your fire extinguisher and keep it in easy access to your kitchen. Keep additional fire extinguishers in easy access for any other area where there is a fire hazard.
• Know multiple ways to get out of your home in the event of a fire, and make sure everyone in your family knows those exits, too.
• Have a plan for your family emergencies. Select a place where you and your family members will meet if you get separated during an emergency.
• Call 911 if there is a fire. Go to a safe location away from the fire call 911. Remember: In apartments, units are generally connected as part of the same building. Get out of the building, not just your apartment.
• Don't overload your electrical outlets. A wall outlet with several extension cords and multiple appliances may seem innocuous, but it can quickly become an open blaze.
• Get renter's insurance. A property's insurance only covers the property owner's buildings, not the belongings of the residents who occupy an apartment. A typical renter's insurance policy will provide coverage for your belongings and many provide you with liability coverage.