Advice for making your apartment or home safe this summer. Provided by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development

1: Fire Escapes
Make sure your fire escape is free of encumbrances such as plants and barbecues so you can use it to escape a fire without tripping or overcrowding.

2: Smoke Detector
Test your smoke detector twice a year to make sure it's operable.

3: Double Cylinder Locks
Remove any double cylinder locks from your apartment entrance door (these are locks where you need a key to open the door from the inside.) In case of a fire or other emergency you could be trapped inside if you need a key to get out.

4: Child-Safety Window Guards
Make sure your child window-guards are installed properly. Proper installation is in the lower half of the outside track of a double hung window.

5: Electrical Outlets
Do not overload electrical outlets or circuits. Use heavy-duty extension cords for air conditioners and other large appliances.

6: Illegal Locks
Remove illegal locks from your window-gates. In case of fire or other emergency, you will be trapped inside if illegal locks are installed and you need a key to get out.

To report unsafe conditions in your apartment call 311. You can find more information on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's website at www.nyc.gov/hpd