• Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire drills at
night. Ensure that small children hear the alarm and wake when
it sounds. They must wake up in order to execute the escape
plan. Practice allows all occupants to test your plan before an
emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is
important they know what to do.
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home
and in the kitchen, basement and garage. Know how to use a
fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.
• Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all
sleeping individuals, and that it is the responsibility of individuals
in the household that are capable of assisting others to provide
assistance to those who may not be awakened by the alarm
sound, or to those who may be incapable of safely evacuating
the area unassisted.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
• Alert small children in the home.
• Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so
don’t waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables.
• In leaving, don’t open any inside door without first feeling its sur-
face. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping through cracks, don’t
open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of
the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly
and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
• Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through
a cloth, wet if possible.
• Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure
everyone is there.
• Call the fire department from your neighbor’s home - not from
yours!
• Don’t return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all
right to do so.
There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to
protect against fire as stated in the NFPA Standard 72. For instance:
a) smoking in bed
b) leaving children home alone
c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline
