Background: I live in a multi-building condo complex. My building is two stories, wood frame construction, with 16 units. The complex suffered a fire last year, due to a resident being careless with fire. His unit was gutted, and seven neighboring units were heavily damaged by smoke and water.

This morning, while I was exiting the shower, I heard a truly obnoxious noise. A brief investigation determined that it was the fire alarm. Seeing that I was not in immediate danger, I quickly dressed and got out of the building. Once outside, I met one of the complex security guards. He informed me that he had already circled the building, and there was no sign of fire. He also told me that he had verified that the fire department was on the way.

What Went Right:

1) I successfully evacuated the building. I remembered to pickup my key ring (with house key, flashlight, and whistle), cell phone, and a knife on the way out the door.

2) Security was, in my opinion, doing everything right. They were on scene first, verifying that the fire department was on the way, while checking for fire or other serious threat. As he walked and checked the building, he was on the cell phone and facility radio at the same time.

3) The fire department responded quickly with two engines. All the fire fighters were in full turnouts, and two of them had their air packs on their backs and axes in their hands when they got off of the rigs.

What Went Wrong:

1) In my haste to get dressed, I grabbed my workout clothes, as they were on the top. I left my “regular” clothes, which had my wallet in the pocket (and all of my other EDC). If the condo had burned, I could have used my driver’s license and credit card (in my wallet) to get a nearby hotel room.

2) I did not grab the keys to my truck when I evacuated. I should have, because if the condo had burned, being able to drive somewhere would have been important. Also, in the truck was my BOB, as well as extra supplies and tools.

What I Learned:

1) The fire department responded first to a nearby building that houses the fire alarm control panel for several of the buildings. After reading that panel, they then responded to my building. It seems that the fire alarm control panel should be the rally point for the family in case of fire. We could communicate any important information to the fire fighters quickest at that location.

2) I need to learn more about the standard operating procedures that security uses. The day shift guard today told me that he has worked here almost 20 years, so there is some information there that I may need.

3) I need a better “grab it and go” mental check list.

4) I need a “hide-a-key” for the truck.

5) I now know what the building fire alarm sounds like, and will respond quicker to it next time.

Any additional suggestions from the group?