20
Fire Safety
Good Safety Habits
Develop and practice a plan of escape!
Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at
least two (2) escape routes from each room. Second story
windows may need an escape ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan,
showing everyone what to do in case of fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where you all can
meet if a fire occurs.
• Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm
and train them to leave your home when they hear it.
• 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 surface. 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.
