The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes.
It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That’s why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan. This year’s theme,“Have 2 Ways Out!”, focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. – Excerpt from firepreventionweek.org
Most new residents understand fire safety. However, it is important to remember some basic guidelines especially when moving to a new home:
- Make sure where you live has a fire extinguisher and that it is verified to be full and up to date. Ensure that everyone in the family is trained how to use it.
- Make sure you have a smoke alarm in your home and that it is working.
- If you smell smoke or see flames, get everyone out of the building immediately
- Feel all doors before opening them; if a door is hot, do not open it.
- During a fire the air is cleaner near the floor; get down on your knees and crawl to an exit.
- Close doors to slow the spread of smoke and flame.
- Make sure that the family has an emergency evacuation plan and that everyone knows where the emergency exits and stairs are.
- Agree on a meeting place, go there and “take attendance” to be sure that no one is left inside the building.
