If you live in Austin, you have probably noticed the severe lack of precipitation recently.  In fact, we are currently surviving one of the worst droughts on record in Texas.  In these extremely dry conditions, wild fires are not uncommon.  It is always best to have an evacuation plan ready if there is ever a fire in your apartment or your building.  The following are some fire safety tips that Camden provides to all of our residents:   1)      Determine evacuation procedures, and decide on a meeting place outdoors.  You need to know in advance at least two escape routes from your apartment and your building. 2)      Practice!  Rehearse your escape plan.  Make sure that your children understand the plan.  Do you have senior citizens, infants, disabled or ill occupants who will need help?  Plan for these situations now. 3)      If a fire occurs, call 911 as soon as possible. 4)      Go to the meeting places as you exit the building and stay there.  In this way, you can keep track of who is out and who may be trapped inside. 5)      If you think someone is trapped, tell the fire department.  Never go back into the building yourself. 6)      Do not rush out of your apartment into the hallway.  First, feel the door.  If it is hot, use another way out.  If the door is cool, leave by the nearest exit. 7)      Do not use elevators.  Use the stairs. 8)      Close all doors behind you to slow fire speed. 9)      If your planned escape route becomes smoky, get down on your hands and knees and crawl.  Smoke rises, so the cleaner air is near the floor. 10)  If you cannot escape your apartment, stuff wet towels, sheets and clothes around the door and vents to keep smoke out.  Call the fire department and tell them where you are.  If no smoke is coming into the room you are in, open a window slightly.  Stay low and wave a bright cloth, towel or sheet out the window to signal your location.   These points may sound like common sense, but keeping them in mind may save you or a loved one in the future.  If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with your community’s staff.  

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