How should occupants behave if smoke is present in the stairwells?

When smoke is present in the stairwells, the safest course of action is for occupants to defend in place and inform their neighbors. This strategy prioritizes the safety of individuals by avoiding the treacherous conditions that smoke can create in the stairwells. Smoke inhalation poses significant health risks, such as suffocation or disorientation, making it perilous to navigate through a smoke-filled environment.

Defending in place allows occupants to stay in a location that may be less hazardous while awaiting assistance. It is important for them to communicate with others, ensuring that neighbors are aware of the danger and can also seek safe refuge. This approach helps in maintaining order and using resources, such as phone communications, efficiently to alert emergency services about the presence of occupants needing assistance.

Utilizing the stairs despite smoke or attempting to seek alternate routes without proper guidance can lead to dangerous situations. Furthermore, alerting the fire department while remaining stationary until help arrives is a safer alternative than attempting to navigate through smoke, which can greatly impair visibility and breathing. This method aligns with fire safety protocols designed to protect lives during emergencies in high-rise buildings.