• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s
ability to hear the smoke alarm.
For maximum
protection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each
sleeping area on every level of a home.
• Although smoke alarms can help save lives by
providing an early warning of a fire, they are not a
substitute for an insurance policy.
Home owners,
landlords and tenants should have adequate insurance
to protect their lives and property.
Good Safety Habits
Develop and practice a plan of escape!
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of
the home and in the kitchen, basement and garage. Know
how to use the fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.
• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and
at least two (2) escape routes from each room.
Second-
storey 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.
• 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.
Fire Safety
18
