"Working smoke alarms and
a well-planned home fire escape plan can save your life!"
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Fire can destroy anyone's home. Fires are real, not just events in the
news or movies. Most people have no idea how destructive a fire can be.
Here are some facts that everyone should know.
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- Fire creates thick black smoke that makes it difficult to see.
- Smoke is more deadly than flames. The poisonous gases in the
smoke can kill you. Many fire fatalities occur because people
do not stay low and crawl under the smoke to a safe exit. Most
fires occur at night while people are sleeping. Many people suffocate
without ever waking and realizing the fire danger.
- Fire has intense heat. A fire can create extreme temperatures
in a matter of seconds. These temperatures can cause severe burns
rendering you unconscious.
- Fire spreads rapidly. A home can be totally consumed by fire
in less than five minutes, Working smoke alarms will provide an
early warning of the problem, and a home fire escape plan will
provide time to escape safely.
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During a fire there is no time to stop and think about an escape route - seconds are important!
Knowing what to do before a fire occurs can save your life!
Make an escape plan and practice it with your family today.
The four simple steps to follow when making an escape plan are:
Step 1 Install working smoke alarms
Install a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside
sleeping areas. For maximum protection install smoke alarms in every bedroom,
especially if you sleep with your bedroom door closed. Test your smoke
alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.
Step 2 Draw a floor plan of your home
Make an outline of each floor of your home and label each room. Identify
at least two exits from each room. Windows can serve as a second emergency
exit. If a window is considered an exit, make sure all family members
can open the locks and windows easily for a quick escape. Security bars
on windows and doors must have a quick-release mechanism to make escape
possible.
Smoke alarms save lives
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Step 3 Choose a family meeting place
The meeting place should be a safe distance away from the house.
All family members should be taught to report to the meeting
place after escaping a fire. One person should go to a neighbours'
house or the nearest phone in a safe location to contact 9-1-1
or their local emergency number. Know the emergency telephone
number for your area.
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Step 4 Schedule a home fire drill
- Practice getting out of the house through the various exits
by holding fire drills. Practice your escape plan by having
a fire drill at least twice each year.
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- Get out quickly and safely.When the smoke alarm sounds,
immediately start your escape. Do not try to gather possessions or pets.
- Check the door. Stay low behind the door, reach up
and feel the door and the door handle for heat.
- If the door feels cool, brace yourself against the
door and open it slowly. If it safe, leave the building and go directly
to your meeting place. If you encounter smoke, crawl low under the smoke.
Cleaner air is down low, near the floor. Once you are out of
the building, stay out. There is nothing more important in
your house than you and your family. Go to the meeting place to make
sure everyone is safe.
Phone 9-1-1 or your local emergency number from a neighbours' house.
- If the door feels warm, or you see smoke or flames
on the other side of the door, shut the door, and use your second escape
route. If you must escape from an upper story window of a multi-level
home, make sure you have a safe way to reach the ground, such as a fire
escape ladder.
- If you are trapped, seal the openings around the
door and vents with bedding or towels. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency
number and notify the fire department of your location. If it is safe
to open a window and there is no smoke, open it to signal and yell for
help.
There are some special situations to consider when developing and practicing your home escape plan.
Older Adults
An older adult with restricted mobility should sleep on the ground floor.
A special plan should also be made to provide assistance to this person.
Children
Infants and many young children will also need assistance when escaping
from the home. A special plan should be made to provide assistance to
them.
All children should be taught the steps to follow when escaping from the
home. They should be involved with making and practicing the family home
fire escape plan.
People with Physical Disabilities
Anyone with physical disabilities should have their bedroom on the ground
floor. A special plan should be developed which provides assistance when
escaping. If a family member has a hearing impairment, special smoke alarms
are available.
Public Buildings
Look for exit signs. Knowing your escape route is important - even when
shopping, visiting the library, or inside any public buildings. If you
hear a fire alarm in a public building, follow any instructions given
over the public address system or from adults working in the building.
In a hotel, take your room key with you as you may encounter smoke and
ned to re-enter your room for safety.
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Delta Fire Dept.
