Preparing for a fire emergency in your apartment building can be crucial when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones. Here are some steps you can take to be prepared:

1. Develop a fire escape plan: It's important to have a plan in place on how to escape your apartment in case of a fire emergency. Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and practice it regularly.
   
2. Know your building's evacuation plan: Every building has an evacuation plan in case of a fire emergency, so make sure you know the details of your building's plan.
   
3. Be aware of fire hazards: Be mindful of what can cause fires in your apartment, such as cooking, smoking, candles, or electrical wiring. Make sure to take the necessary precautions to prevent fires, such as not leaving cooking unattended and avoiding smoking indoors.
   
4. Check your smoke detectors: Make sure your apartment has working smoke detectors and test them regularly to ensure they're functioning properly.
   
5. Keep a fire extinguisher: Having a fire extinguisher in your apartment can help you put out small fires before they spread. Make sure to know how to use it before an emergency occurs.
   

By taking these steps, you can help prepare yourself and your household for a fire emergency in your apartment building.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, free help is immediately available.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, via phone, text and online chat, offering people compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors for individuals, families or their loved ones. One does not have to be suicidal to call 988 but can reach out when experiencing any behavioral health crisis. 988 call services are available in English and Spanish, along with interpretation services in more than 150 languages. Texting 988 and online chat are currently available only in English. Veterans and military service members can call 988 and press “1” to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.

Prevent foodborne illness during emergencies and disasters.

Check out these Resource Materials from USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.