35
Concord
Appendix B: Planning for
Emergencies
Develop plans for a variety of emergency situations. Peri-
odically discuss and rehearse emergency plans that include
the following:
❑
Understand how to use your security system.
❑
Know the normal state of doors and windows; open,
closed, or locked.
❑
Use a different escape route if closed doors feel hot to
the touch.
❑
Emphasize that everyone should escape as quickly as
possible. Do not stop to gather any belongings.
❑
Crawl and hold your breath as much as possible to
help reduce smoke inhalation during your escape.
❑
Meet at a designated outdoor location.
❑
Emphasize that no one should return to the premises if
there is a fire.
Notify fire department from a neighbor’s phone.
WARNING !
If you arrive at the premises and hear sirens, do not
attempt to enter the building. Call for emergency
assistance from a neighbor’s phone.
Floor Plan Example
The figure below is an example of a multilevel floor plan.
Use this example as a guide and draw your floor plan on
the next page.
Your Floor Plan
Use the following guidelines when drawing your floor
plan:
Show all building levels.
Show exits from each room (two exits per room are
recommended).
Show the location of all security system components.
Show the locations of any fire extinguishers.
Alarm System Limitations
Not even the most advanced alarm system can guarantee
protection against burglary, fire, or environmental emer-
gencies. All alarm systems are subject to possible compro-
mise or failure-to-warn, for a variety of reasons including:
❑
If sirens are not placed within range of persons sleep-
ing, in remote areas of the premises, or if they are
placed behind doors or other obstacles.
❑
If intruders gain access through unprotected entry
points or areas where sensors are bypassed.
❑
If intruders have the technical means of bypassing,
jamming, or disconnecting any or all parts of the sys-
tem.
❑
If power to sensors is disconnected or inadequate.
❑
If freeze, flood, or any environmental sensors are not
located in areas where the specific condition can be
detected.
❑
If smoke does not reach a smoke sensor. For example,
smoke sensors cannot detect smoke in chimneys,
walls, roofs, or smoke blocked by a closed door. Sen-
sors may not detect smoke on building levels different
from their installed location. Sensors may not warn in
time when fires are caused by smoking in bed, explo-
sions, improper storage of flammables, overloaded
electrical circuits, or other hazardous conditions.
❑
If telephone lines are out of service. Telephone lines
are also vulnerable to compromise by any of several
means.
Inadequate maintenance is the most common cause of
alarm failure. Therefore, test your system once each week
to verify sensors, sirens, and phone communications are
all working correctly.
Note
Although having an alarm system can make you eli-
gible for reduced insurance premiums, the system is
no substitute for insurance.
WARNING !
Security systems and devices cannot compensate
you for life or property losses.
If Your System Needs Service
If you have any questions about your security system or if
it ever needs servicing, please contact your security dealer.
Company Name _____________________________
Address ____________________________________
City _______________ State _____ Zip __________
Phone Number (_____) _______________________
Contact Name _______________________________
