so about 2 AM this morning, a fire alarm went off in our building. at first, we didn't take it seriously, as we get false alarms all the time.
but when 3 firetrucks, an ambulance, and a fire chief showed up, plus when we started smelling smoke, we realized this time it was the real deal.
Now neither my mother or I can climb down 14 floors, and the elevators were turned off, so we had no choice to wait and hope for the best.
sometime later a firefighter came to our door, and we explained we couldn't manage the stairs, and he told us to simply stay in our apartment, and keep the door closed to keep out the smoke.
Eventually, we got the all clear, and it seemed that the fire had not seriously damaged anything, and nobody was hurt, so it was lucky in that respect, but there are a lot better ways to spend an early morning!
Comments
Me Too!
I also live in an apartment block, on the 11th floor, and about once every couple of months our building alarm goes off, a "Whoop, Whoop!" siren and "Evacuate Now!" repeated ad nauseam.
My normal reaction is to go out onto my balcony and look to see if I can spot any smoke or flames, because it would take me at least five minutes to negotiate the emergency staircase to the ground. So far they have all been false alarms and the firies arrive, check everything and deactivate the system.
I really don't want it to be a genuine fire!
Glad everything turned out for the best!
Real fires are scary. I'm glad everyone's okay.
Monalisa
All's Well That...
... Ends Well. Thank goodness.
-- Daphne Xu
Google on how to combat a fire from inside your apartment.
>>> Read NOW, Do NOW <<<
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/289078-how-surviv...
This is 'aimed' at hotel guests, but will apply to an apartment.
Immediately call Emergency Services (in USA, "911", but I know you are in Canada). Explain your situation. In particular, your floor, and which side and corner of building (facing West, overlooking Quebec Avenue, whatever).
Today, Monday at the latest, visit your building Office. Explain your situation, ask for 'next available' apartment on ground/first/lowest floor.
A doctor's note will help, A report from the fire department that they found you (and were OK).
If you have any official (doctor's, government, aid agency) status of disability to do stairs, bring copies.
Be nice.
Good luck on moving.