4
UM-EN_LAN-WMBUS-SMK2 REV1.2
TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR PROTECTION FROM FIRES
Putting up smoke detectors is only one step in protecting your family from
fires. You must also reduce the chances that fires will start in your home
and you must increase your chances of escaping safely if one does start.
To have a good fire safety program, you must apply the following tips to
enhance your
family’s protection from fires:
1. Install smoke detectors properly. Carefully follow all the instructions in
this manual. Keep your smoke detector clean and test them regularly.
2. Remember that smoke detectors that does not work will not alert you.
Replace your smoke detectors immediately if they are not working.
3. Follow fire safety rules, and prevents hazardous situations:
˙
Use smoking materials properly. Never smoke in bed.
˙
Keep matches and cigarette lighters away from children.
˙
Store flammable materials in proper containers. Never use them near
open flame or sparks.
˙
Keep electrical appliances in good condition. Do not overload
electrical circuits.
˙
Keep stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and barbecue grills grease free.
Make sure they are properly installed and away from any combustible
materials.
˙
Keep portable heaters and open flames, such as candles, away from
combustible materials.
˙
Do not allow rubbish to accumulate.
4. Develop a family escape plan and practice it with your entire family. Be
sure to include small children in your practice.
˙
Draw a floor plan of your home, and find two ways to exit from each
room. There should be one way to get out of each bedroom without
opening the door.
˙
Explain to children what the smoke detector signal means. Teach
them that they must be prepared to leave the home by themselves if
necessary. Show them how to check to see if doors are hot before
opening them. Show them how to stay close to the floor and crawl if
necessary. Show them how to use the alternate exit if the door is hot
and should not be opened.
˙
Decide on a meeting place which has a safe distance from your
house. Make sure that all your children understand that they should
go and wait for you there if there is a fire.
˙
Hold fire drills at least every 6 months to make sure that everyone,
even small children, knows what to do to escape safely.
˙
Know where to go to call the Fire Department from outside your
home.
˙
Provide emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, and teach
your family to use this equipment properly.
MORE TIPS ON HOW TO FACE A FIRE IN YOUR HOME
If you have a family escape plan and practiced it with your family, you have
increased their chances of escaping safely. Go over the following rules
with your children each time you have fire drills. This will help everyone
remember them in case of a real fire emergency.
1. Do not panic and stay calm. Your safe escape may depend on thinking
clearly and remembering what you have practiced.
2. Get out of the house as quickly as possible. Follow a planned escape
route. Do not stop to collect anything or to get dressed.
3. Feel the doors to see if they are hot. If they are not, open them carefully.
Do not open a door if it is hot. Use an alternate escape route.
4. Stay close to the floor. Smoke and hot gases rise.
5. Cover your nose and mouth with a wet or damp cloth. Take short,
shallow breaths.
6. Keep doors and windows closed. Open them only if you must to escape.
7. Meet at your planned meeting place after leaving the house.
8. Call the Fire Department as soon as possible from outside your house.
Give the address and your name.
9. Never go back inside a burning building.
10. For more ideas on how to make your home safer from fires and how to
plan your family’s escape, contact your local Fire Department.
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE DETECTORS
Although smoke detectors play a key role in reducing damage resulting
from home fires, they can only work if they are properly installed, located
and maintained.
˙
Smoke detector may not be heard if residents are hearing impaired
Special designed units such as those with visual and audible alarms
should be installed for hearing impaired residents.
˙
Smoke detector may not waken all individuals if they are sound
sleepers
If children or other family members do not waken readily to the sound of
the smoke detector, or if there are infants or members with mobility
limitations, make sure someone is assigned to assist them in fire drill and
in the event of an emergency.
