2019-Oct-13
Plan and Practice Your Escape
Fire prevention week runs from October 6th to 12th. This year’s theme is “Not every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape”.
With the onset of colder temperatures, the increased use of heating devices of all types can increase the risk of fire. First and foremost make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors properly distributed throughout the home and that they are operational. That means alarms on every story and immediately outside (or in) all sleeping areas. If they are 10 years old or older replace them.
The next priority is to have a fire escape plan. Every household needs a fire safety plan and all members of the household need to practice the plan. Fire experts say people could have less than two minutes to escape a burning structure once the alarm goes off. Your priority is to get everyone out of danger and having a well practiced plan is the best way to do this.
It doesn’t take long to prepare a plan and can be a good family project. Making a plan could include drawing a map of the home and marking two exits (doors and windows that work) from each room. For second floor bedrooms this may include a hanging escape ladder.
Some helpful tips for designing your plan:
- Assess the needs of everyone in your home and identify who would require assistance and how to provide that
- Make sure each bedroom has a flashlight and that it works
- Make sure everyone knows the alarm sound
- Make sure everyone knows exactly what they are supposed to do when an alarm sounds
- Have an predetermined safe meeting place outside and make sure that everyone knows to go there
- Make sure everyone knows what information to relay to emergency services
PRACTICE THE PLAN! And make changes if necessary. Practicing will point out any deficiencies in the plan.
TEST ALARMS MONTHLY
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