BEDROOM OR ON A DIFFERENT FLOOR, IT WILL NOT WAKE UP A SOUND
SLEEPER. THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS MAY ALSO IMPAIR ONE’S
ABILITYTO RESPOND TO THE VISUAL SIGNAL.
ALTHOUGH VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICES CAN HELP SAVE LIVES BY PROVIDING
AN EARLY WARNING OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, THEY ARE NOT A SUBSTI-
TUTE FOR AN INSURANCE POLICY. HOME OWNERS AND RENTERS SHOULD
HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE TO PROTECT THEIR LIVES AND PROPERTY.
9. 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 a 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 story windows may need a rope or
chain 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 occu-
pants 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 and notification devices 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.
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