74
16. Escape plan
As over-cautious as this may appear at first: Draw up an escape plan for each room of your house
or flat.
This should include the following:
• Quickest and safest way into the open
• The places where key are kept to, for example, be able to open locked basement doors, terrace
doors, windows etc. in case of emergency
• The places where fire extinguishers or rescue covers are kept
• The emergency numbers for the fire brigade and emergency doctor
• The telephone numbers for other house inhabitants, the caretaker etc. to be able to alarm them
also
Do not lose any time in case of fire in looking for important documents, papers or IDs
which could be destroyed in a fire perhaps. You could lose the few seconds or minutes
through this which could save the lives of persons.
Simply make copies of important documents (e.g. personal ID, driver’s license etc.).
Conventional copiers are suitable for this and also digital cameras or scanners. Store the
copies, for example, in a bank safe.
Consider for each room:
• Where are there possible sources of fire, e.g. electrical devices?
• How can you avoid risks?
• Is the escape route cut off? How to get away nevertheless?
• How can I get to the key required?
• How far is the next fire extinguisher?
In case of fire, it is too late for such consideration!
Although fire in a flat is relatively unlikely in Europe, there are many causes, e.g. defective
electrical devices, amateur electrical installations and also children playing with fire or
forgotten candles.
Just the modern pre-fabricated type of construction with many elements of wood is more
liable to fire than the conventional stone construction. The risk which is posed by carpets,
wooden ceilings, wooden floors, furniture, curtains etc. is the same for both
Flames are less dangerous than the poisonous smoke which arises with a fire.
Summary of Contents for 750945
Page 159: ...159...
