A single apartment building can be home to dozens or even hundreds of families, which increases the odds of a fire breaking out. With so many people living close together, a small blaze can quickly become dangerous, especially if you don’t have enough fire alarms and suppression equipment. If you’re remodeling or constructing an apartment building, the tips below can save lives and protect the value of your investment.

How to Protect Your Apartment Building

1. Create an Escape Plan

Your local building codes probably require property owners to provide fire escapes and exits, but these measures are only effective if tenants know how to use them. Post signs throughout the building pointing out the nearest exit, and offer each tenant a written fire safety plan in their move-in packet.

2. Maintain Your Fire Alarm Systems

Missing or neglected smoke detectors double the risk of a fatal fire, especially in apartment buildings where flames can quickly spread from one residence to another. These systems are crucial for preventing property damage and serious injuries, so have maintenance staff check the batteries once per month and repair or replace defective devices immediately.

3. Invest in Fire Suppression Equipment

Even if they’re not required in your area, sprinkler systems and other fire suppression equipment can be an excellent investment. These systems start fighting a fire before emergency services even arrive, potentially keeping a small fire from becoming significant.

For over 20 years, GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage has helped property owners throughout Alaska mitigate risks and protect their investments. This full-service contractor offers an array of some of the most advanced fire alarms and sprinkler systems on the market, along with the expertise to design fire suppression solutions tailored to your building. Visit their website for an overview of their wide-ranging services, or call (907) 336-5000 to see how they can help.