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S E C T I O N 1 3
S E C T I O N 8
Fire and Safety in the Home
Most fires occur in the home, and to minimize this danger it is recommended that a
household fire safety audit be conducted and a family escape plan be developed.
8.1
Household Fire Safety
Check your home for the following potential hazards:
• Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed cords,
overloaded lighting circuits, and so on. If you are uncertain about the condition of your
electrical appliances or household electrical service, have a professional evaluation.
• Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well-ventilated and cool area?
Cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline, should be avoided. Refer to product
instructions, printed warnings and labels for information on using and storing hazardous
materials safely.
• Are fire hazardous materials (such as matches) well out of the reach of children?
• Are furnaces and wood burning appliances properly installed, clean, and in good working
order? If in doubt, have a professional evaluation.
8.2
Family Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time at which it becomes deadly.
Because of this, it is very important that a family escape plan be developed, practiced and followed.
1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since many fires occur
at night, special attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3. It is essential that escape from a bedroom be possible without opening the interior door.
Consider the following when making your escape plans:
• Make sure that doors and windows that open to the outside are easily opened. Ensure that
they are not painted shut and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening an exit or using an exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or handicapped,
plans for rescue should be developed. This includes making sure that those who are to
perform the rescue can promptly hear the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided, as well
as training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from exterior patio
doors in winter. Outdoor furniture or equipment should not block exits.
• The family should have a predetermined assembly point where everyone can be accounted
for; for example, across the street or at a neighbour’s house.
• Once everyone is out of the house, call the Fire Department.
• A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate first or attempt to fight the fire,
and do not attempt to rescue belongings as this takes up valuable time. Once outside, do not
re-enter the house. Wait for the fire department.
• Write the plan down and rehearse frequently, so that should an emergency arise, everybody
will know what they are to do. Revise the plan as conditions change; for example, when there
are more or fewer family members in the home, or if there are physical changes to the house.
• Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly tests. If you are
unsure about system operation, contact your installing company.
• It is recommended that you contact your local fire department and request further information
on home fire safety and escape planning. If available, have your local fire prevention officer
conduct an in-house fire safety inspection.
