Every year there are about 7,000 fires that break out in high rise office buildingscausing deaths, injuries and millions of dollars in fire damage. Most of thesecould be eliminated if everyone practiced good fire prevention on the job andplanned ahead for a fire emergency. In terms of fire safety, a high rise buildingcould be defined as a building taller than four stories or 75 feet since firedepartment aerial ladders rarely reach anything higher than that. The possibilityof a fire deserves serious thought. In a high rise building, it's especiallyimportant to know when and how to escape in case of fire.PreventionSmoke only where it is permitted.Use large non-tip ashtrays and empty them only when you are sure the ashes, matches and butts are cold. Make sure that no one, including visitors, has left cigarettes smoldering in wastebaskets or on furniture.Be alert around electrical equipment. If electrical equipment is not working properly or if it gives off an unusual odor - often the first sign of a problem that could cause a fire - disconnect the equipment and call the appropriate maintenance department.Promptly replace any electrical cord that is cracked or has a broken connection.When using extension cords, protect them from damage; do not put them across doorways or any place where they will be stepped on or chafed.Check the amperage load specified by the manufacturer or the "listing laboratory," and do not exceed it. Do not plug one extension cord intoanother and do not plug more than one extension cord into one outlet.Keep all heat-producing appliances away from the wall and away from anything that might burn. Leave plenty of space for air to circulate around copy machines, word processors and other equipment that normally gives off heat.Make sure all appliances in your work area - such as coffee makers and hot plates - are turned off at the end of each work day. It's best to assign one person to make this check every day. Keep storage areas, stairway landings and other out-of-the-way locations free of waste paper, empty boxes, dirty rags and other material that could fuel a fire or hamper an escape.Escaping a FireIf a fire does break out, sound the alarm and call the fire department.Large fires start as small fires. Learn the sound of your building's fire alarm. Encourage management to schedule regular fire drills so that everyone will know how the alarm sounds and how to escape.Evacuation plans for your building should be posted where everyone can see them. They should be discussed with new employees during orientation.Learn the evacuation plans and participate in fire drills.Know the location of the two exits closest to your work area.Count the number of doors between your office and each of those exits -in case you must escape through a darkened, smoke-filled corridor where you can't see very well.Close the door to the room containing the fire and close all other doors that you pass through during your escape, assuming you are the last person out. Closing the doors helps to control the spread of fire.If it becomes necessary to use an escape route where there is smoke, crawl low under the smoke. Stay close to the floor where visibility is better, the air is less toxic and it is cooler.Before you open a closed door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, don't open it. Use your alternate escape route. If it feels normal, open it carefully. Be ready to slam it shut if heat or smoke starts to rush in.Once you are outside the building, move well away from the building to designated meeting area where all members of your floor can be accounted for. If anyone is missing, notify the fire department - DO NOT reenter the building.If it's not possible to escape from the floor you are on, don't panic. Stay calm. Try to go to a room with an outside window and stay there. Try to keep smoke out and be sure doors are closed.Stuff the cracks around the door and vents using clothing, towels, paper or whatever is available. If water is available, dampen a cloth and breathe through it to filter out smoke and gases.If there is a working telephone, call the fire department and tell them exactly where you are. This information will be relayed immediately to the firefighters on the scene. Stay where you are and wave something to attract their attention.People living in a highrise apartment or condominium building need to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire.Each person with a disability should be assigned a co-worker (and an alternate) to render assistance in case of an emergency. Participating in drills is especially important for people with disabilities.Never use an elevator during a fire emergency. Most modern elevators select buttons are heat-activated, so they might go to the fire floor and stop there with the doors open, exposing passengers to deadly heat and fumes.Be sure that stairwell doors are never locked.Want to Volunteer?The Upper Merion Township Fire Rescue Services is seeking volunteers to join theirdepartments to serve our community.If you, or someone you know, are interested in becoming a volunteer member of thefire department or ambulance squad, please contact:King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company - Call 610-265-1063