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First - make an escape plan. How will your family get out of the house in case of fire? Here's a handy checklist of things to do in case of fire:
1. Smoke alarm and Carbon-monoxide device - They are your best defence. They will buy you time to make your escape. But you must test your alarms regularly. The CAFC recommends that you change your smoke alarm batteries at least once a year.
2. Two ways out - Every room should have two ways out: the door and the window. Make sure the window is not blocked by furniture and is easily opened. If you live in a 2-story home, a roll-up fire escape ladder is a must for each bedroom on the upper floor.
3. Get out fast - Once the alarm has sounded, do not stop to dress or gather valuables. Don't let children look for favourite toys. Fire moves fast.
4. Never hide - When people see smoke or fire they often respond by trying to hide under a bed or in a closet. Remember, you cannot hide from fire but you can escape it.
5. Test doors before opening them - Feel the door and look for smoke seeping in around the edges. Open it slowly and be prepared to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
6. Crawl - If there is a lot of smoke, drop down on your hands and knees and crawl low under the smoke to the nearest exit. Smoke rises, so cleaner, cooler air is near the floor.
7. An outside meeting place - should be decided upon in advance. Locate a meeting place well away from the house and make a rule: ONCE OUT, STAY OUT! Never return to a burning building. A good meeting place would be a tree, streetlight or a neighbour's home. If someone is missing, do not go back inside - notify responding fire fighters.
8. Lots of practice - Rehearsing your escape plan regularly is essential. A practised routine will override a panic in an emergency situation. People who have had fire drill practice at home will automatically do the right thing in a real emergency.
Help protect your family and home with this customized tool. You can create your very own customized fire escape plan and print it for your home!
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