Residential Building Fire Response Plan

To provide clear procedures for residents, staff, and building operations to respond safely and effectively in the event of a fire, smoke condition, or fire alarm activation, and to support emergency responders.

• Fire / Police / Medical: 911
• Property Management (non-emergency): [Insert number]
• After-Hours Emergency Line: [Insert number]
• Building Address: [Insert full address]

Building Name: [Insert]

If you hear the fire alarm:

1. Stop what you are doing immediately.
2. Check your suite door for heat or smoke before opening.
3. If safe:
   • Exit your suite.
   • Close (do not lock) your door behind you.

1. Use stairs only — never use elevators.
2. Proceed to the designated assembly area:
   • [Insert location – e.g., parking lot east side / across the street].

1. Stay outside until the Fire Department gives the all-clear.

If you cannot exit safely:

• Stay inside your suite.
• Close all doors.
• Seal gaps with towels if smoke is entering.
• Call 911 and provide your suite number.
• Signal from a window if necessary.

Follow R.A.C.E.

R – Rescue
Assist anyone in immediate danger if safe to do so.

A – Alarm
Activate the nearest manual pull station and call 911.

C – Contain
Close doors to limit smoke and fire spread.

E – Evacuate / Extinguish
Evacuate the area.
Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small and you are trained.

Fire extinguisher method: P.A.S.S.

• Pull
• Aim
• Squeeze
• Sweep

Front Desk / Concierge (if applicable)

• Call 911 immediately if alarm source is unknown or fire confirmed.
• Announce evacuation if required (if PA system available).
• Bring:
  • Fire panel keys
  • Master key set
  • Resident emergency contact list (if available)
• Meet Fire Department at main entrance.
• Provide:
  • Alarm location
  • Building layout information
  • Any known mobility-assistance residents

Building Operator / Maintenance 

• Report to the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).
• Identify:
  • Alarm location
  • Type of device activated (smoke, heat, sprinkler flow, etc.)
• Do NOT silence or reset the system unless directed by Fire Department.
• Provide access to:
  • Mechanical rooms
  • Elevator controls
  • Sprinkler and standpipe rooms
• Assist Fire Department as requested.

Property Manager (if on site)

• Support emergency coordination.
• Notify:
  • Ownership / OPUS leadership (as per internal protocol)
  • After-hours call centre (if applicable)
• Prepare incident documentation.

• Elevators will automatically return to the main floor during alarm.
• Do not use elevators during a fire emergency.
• Only Fire Department personnel may operate elevators.

Property Management should maintain a confidential list of residents who may require evacuation assistance:

• Mobility limitations
• Medical needs
• Visual/hearing impairment

During an event:

• Provide this information to Fire Department.
• Do not delay evacuation attempting rescues unless trained.

• Residents must move away from building entrances and fire lanes.
• Keep access clear for emergency vehicles.
• Staff should:
  • Help direct residents
  • Prevent re-entry until cleared.

Once the Fire Department gives the all-clear:

• Fire system may be reset by qualified personnel.
• Inspect:
  • Alarm devices
  • Sprinkler activations
  • Water damage areas
• Notify residents of:
  • Cause (if known)
  • Any service interruptions
  • Next steps.

Internal Actions

• Complete Incident Report.
• Notify:
  • Insurance (if applicable)
  • Service contractor (fire alarm/sprinkler)
• Schedule repairs and system testing.

Property Management should ensure:

• Annual fire inspections completed.
• Monthly fire alarm testing.
• Fire extinguishers inspected.
• Exit routes clear at all times.
• Resident fire safety information provided at move-in.
• Fire drills conducted (if required by local code).

• Know your nearest exit.
• Keep your suite door closed during a fire.
• Never block hallways or exits.
• Do not tamper with smoke detectors or sprinklers.
• Report fire hazards immediately.