2024 NYC Apartment Building Emergency Preparedness Guide –free download

Purpose

This guide, developed by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), provides essential emergency preparedness information for apartment building residents and staff. It includes guidance on fire safety, evacuation procedures, emergency supply kits, and preparedness for various emergencies.

Key Sections

1. Emergency Preparedness Basics

• Stay Informed: Sign up for Notify NYC alerts for emergency notifications.
• Sheltering in Place: Have an emergency supply kit ready with essentials for at least 7 days.
• Evacuation Procedures: Know when and how to evacuate safely.
• Family Reconnection Plan: Establish a meeting place and emergency contacts.

2. Assistance for People with Disabilities

• If You Need Help: Plan evacuation assistance in advance.
• If You Can Help: Check on neighbors who may need assistance during emergencies.

3. Readiness Supplies

• Home Emergency Kit: Includes food, water, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, and personal hygiene items.
• Go Bag: Portable emergency bag with essential documents, medications, cash, and basic survival items.

4. Home Safety & Fire Prevention

• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Required in all apartments.
• Safe Heating Practices: Avoid using stoves or unapproved heaters.
• Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Prevent fires by using only certified batteries and chargers.
• Fire Extinguishing: Use appropriate fire extinguishers (Class K for kitchen fires).

5. Know Your Building

• Building Construction: Fireproof vs. non-fireproof buildings impact fire spread.
• Fire Protection Systems: Sprinklers, fire alarms, emergency voice communication.
• Means of Egress: Identify stairwells, exits, and fire escapes.

6. What to Do in Emergencies

• Fires: Evacuate if possible; otherwise, shelter in place and call 911.
• Medical Emergencies: Recognize symptoms requiring 911 assistance.
• Utility Emergencies: Report power outages, gas leaks, and water leaks.
• Weather Emergencies: Take precautions during storms, heat waves, and flooding.
• Hazardous Material Incidents: Shelter in place and avoid exposure.
• Building Explosions/Collapse: Evacuate if possible; otherwise, seek cover.
• Terrorism & Active Shooter Events: Follow guidelines to escape, hide, or defend.

7. Emergency Preparedness Resources

• Notify NYC: Sign up for alerts (Notify NYC)
• NYC Emergency Management Guides (Ready New York)
• Fire Safety & Evacuation Resources (FDNY Smart)

This guide serves as a critical resource for NYC apartment residents to enhance emergency readiness and safety.

DISCLAIMER
We are a small, family-owned and family-operated Brooklyn-based business. We are not a City of New York store, nor are our website, products, or services affiliated with the City of New York or any agency of the City of New York. Neither we, nor our business, websites, products, services, or any hyperlinks from our website are sponsored by, approved by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the City of New York or any agency of the City of New York, including but not limited to HPD, DOB, DOT, DSNY, FDNY, or any federal entity, directly or by implication.