It is suggested that this system be used as a springboard for communication about fire safety measures and fire drills. It is suggested that a fire drill be implemented once every three months. Furthermore, residents must receive fire extinguishers and training on how to use fire hoses and extinguishers. Management must ensure that extinguishers are refilled regularly.

Wu (2001, p. 26) also mentions that smoke control is an important element of fire prevention in buildings. Smoke control can occur by means of dilution, airflow, pressurization, buoyancy and compartmentation. In the even of a fire, any of these methods will reduce the likelihood of residents being harmed by smoke inhalation. For my building, a combination of dilution and airflow is likely to be a viable solution.

In the light of the above, one might assess my building's fire safety features as currently mostly relying on its design features. Internal and external staircases, fire hoses, and kitchen sprinkler systems provide features that make the building relatively safe in terms of fire prevention and escape in the event of a fire.

The most significant shortcoming is the general lack of communication among management and residents. This should be improved by regular meetings and fire drills. It is recommended that fire drills occur every three months. Furthermore, communication channels should also be established with local fire houses, where professionals can also be asked to address the residents regarding fire safety and its importance.

Other...

These should be provided to each apartment in the building.
In conclusion, fire safety is vitally important today, but also an often overlooked fact in the design of buildings as well as in the minds of residents. Indeed, almost none of he residents in my building are aware of the necessity of fire safety, or whether any fire safety features have been installed at my building. Raising awareness would therefore be a primary concern.

As a structure, my building is relatively safe. However, there is a distinct lack of human interaction with the environment in order to ensure that safety and security will be maintained during a fire. This should be done by means of regular communication among management, fire safety professionals, and residents. By having an effective escape plan in place, building managers can ensure the safety of their residents, even if fire should break out.

Finally, once all the necessary measures are in place, the building will be a much safer and more secure place to live for the families residing there. The first step will be to establish an open communication channel.

References

Common Floor. (2010). Fire Safety at Your Apartment Complex. Retrieved from: http://www.commonfloor.com/articles/fire-safety-at-your-apartment-389.html

Wu, S. (2001). The Fire Safety Design of Apartment Buildings. University of Canterbury. Retrieved from: http://www.civil.canterbury.ac.nz/fire/pdfreports/SWu_thesis.pdf