Building Safety Solutions, an emergency preparedness and safety training organization, has highlighted common mistakes made during emergencies, such as fire, an earthquake or an act of terrorism, in high-rise buildings such as offices and apartments.

Disregarding alarms: If an alarm is ringing head for the nearest exit immediately. Time is of the essence, and even a one-minute delay in responding could mean the difference between life and death.

Discounting training: Those who live or work in a high-rise building should make it a priority to participate in the building's life safety training programs. Online training programs are easy to access, and they provide real-time building information with diagrams of specific buildings. Training is crucial in learning about escape routes and critical building systems such as refuge areas and fire extinguishers, as well as what to do and what not to do in an emergency.

Going out through the in

door: People often make the mistake of exiting through the door through which they entered a building even though it might not be the quickest or safest escape route. A person should familiarize himself with exits and the building's evacuation plan and should pay attention to exit signs.

Helping others: Often a person's intrinsic willingness to help others is the cause for injury or death in high-rise disasters. Floor wardens and emergency personnel are trained to handle emergency situations. Tenants should leave the building as quickly and safely as possible and let the experts do their job.

Trivializing an evacuation: Take a building evacuation seriously by keeping conversation to a minimum, leaving food and drinks behind and taking off highheeled shoes. Women who wear high heels are advised to keep a pair of flat shoes near their desks so they can slip them on in the event of an emergency.