It is no fun to think about the potential for having to deal with a fire in your loft or condo, or the building in which you live, but the reality is that they sometimes occur. However, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire, or, if a fire occurs, to reduce the chance that you will be injured.

The first key is to plan ahead. Your building should have a fire safety and evacuation plan. It should show residents exactly what to do and where to go in the event of a fire. If your building does not have one, talk to management, or get a group of residents together and start the planning process. There should be several exit options, in case one hallway is too smoky, or on fire, for example. And remember that elevators are never a good option when evacuating because of a fire.

Prevention, of course, is the best option for reducing fire risk. Do not smoke in bed. Make sure kids do not have access to lighters. Check your electrical outlets and cords regular. Fraying can be a fire hazard, as can be an overloaded outlet. And try to keep clutter to a minimum, especially in places like balconies and decks that you are not in all the time. Fires that begin in such spots may not be evident until they get out of hand.

Check regularly to make sure your smoke detectors and fire alarms work. Condo and loft units have individual smoke detectors, so it is up to you to ensure they are in good working order. The building itself also should have smoke alarms and fire detectors. Building management is responsible for ensuring their operation, but it is never a bad idea to double check with them. In your own loft or condo, smoke detectors should be near every bedroom.

Make sure escape plans are posted near heavily used areas like stairways and exit doors. And in the event of an evacuation, remember that the air is clearest closest to the ground. Stay low and inhale as little smoke as possible. And make sure everyone knows to meet at a central location. That is the only way to ensure everyone got out safely, and is a critical piece of information to be able to tell the fire department. If the fire alarm is sounding, leave the building first, and then call the fire department. Once you are outside of the building, do not go back inside, even to rescue animals or other important items. Fire fighters may not grab your photos and computer in the event of a fire, but they will want to know of any animals or people still inside.

It is best, of course, never to have to deal with a fire in your loft or condo building. But in the event one occurs, you will be glad you were prepared.