Fire: Have a plan

Fire: Have a plan
By Dan Hilborn, Burnaby NOW assistant editor
Published Sept. 18, 2002

Does your home have a fire escape plan?
If not, then Fire Prevention Week, running Oct. 6-12, is probably a good time to start thinking about what you and your family will do in the event your home becomes the victim of fire.
A good fire escape plan will have two exits out of each room in the house, says Burnaby fire prevention officer Jim Dixon. And yes, windows count as escape routes, but it might also be a good idea to put some kind of escape ladder near each second storey window.
"Developing and practising a home fire escape plan that everyone understands can mean the difference between life and death," Dixon said. "Fire can grow and spread through your home very quickly so it's important that you be prepared to react as soon as the smoke alarm sounds."
Dixon recommends every family in Burnaby set aside some time to do the following:
- Draw a complete floor map of the residence, showing two ways out of each room. Don't forget to mark the location of each smoke alarm.
- Test all smoke alarms each month to ensure they work properly. Replace the batteries as needed.
- Make sure everyone in the house understands the escape plan. Are the different routes clear? Can doors and windows be opened easily from the inside? (This is especially important for children's rooms.)
- If windows or doors have security bars, make sure they are equipped with a quick release mechanism that can be opened immediately in the event of an emergency.
- Practise your fire escape plan twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved, including small children and grandparents. If there are infants or other family members with mobility impairments, make sure someone is assigned to assist them.
- Make sure everyone knows to touch any door before opening it. If the door is hot, the fire may be on the other side, and that's the time to use the second escape route!
- If a room is filled with smoke, remember to crawl to safety instead of walking. Smoke always rises, and it will be easier to breathe if your are near the ground.
* Agree on an outside meeting place where everyone will go after they've escaped. And remember, also escape first, and then call 911 for help. Also, never go back inside until the fire department gives the OK.
* If you live in an apartment building, be sure you know the building's evacuation plan. Know your exits, and the meeting place, and remember to never take the elevator when an alarm is ringing.
QUESTIONS
1 - How many escape routes must you have from each room in your house?
2 - How many times per year should your practice your home fire escape plan?
3 - What one precaution should you take before opening a door when the smoke alarm is ringing?