Practice
Escaping From Every Room In The Home
Practice
escape plans every month. The best plans have
two ways to get out of each room. If the primary
way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need
a second way out. A secondary route might be a
window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's
Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for
escape from upper story windows. Make sure that
windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out
quickly and that security bars can be properly
opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of
the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Security
Bars Require Special Precautions
Security
bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders,
but they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Windows
and doors with security bars must have quick release
devices to allow them to be opened immediately
in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family
understands and practices how to properly operate
and open locked or barred doors and windows.
Immediately
Leave The Home
When
a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property.
Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape
through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the
smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains
toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst,
overcome you.
Never
Open Doors That Are Hot To The Touch
When
you come to a closed door, use the back of your
hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob,
and the crack between the door and door frame
to make sure that fire is not on the other side.
If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route.
Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully.
Brace your shoulder against the door and open
it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the
door and make sure it is securely closed, then
use your alternate escape route.
Designate
A Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance
Designate
a meeting location away from the home, but not
necessarily across the street. For example, meet
under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway
or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten
out safely and no one will be hurt looking for
someone who is already safe. Designate one person
to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
Once
Out, Stay Out
Remember
to escape first, then notify the fire department
using the 911 system or proper local emergency
number in your area. Never go back into a burning
building for any reason. Teach children not to
hide from firefighters. If someone is missing,
tell the firefighters. They are equipped to perform
rescues safely.
