The Newmans

This was taken at the base of a window in a high-rise building. The word-for-word translation of the Chinese characters is something like 'except fire alarm for outside, serious forbidden open start'.

Does it mean that we're all to act like really good friends unless there's a fire?
Does it mean that we're to keep all kinds of things close to us, except a fire?
Does it mean that we're to stay closed unless we catch on fire?

Suggestions welcome.