Fire Safety

Section 6: Fire Safety

Household

Audit

Fire Escape Planning

Read this section carefully for important information about fire safety.

Most fires occur in the home. To minimize this danger, we recommend that a household fire safety audit be conducted and a fire escape plan be developed.

1.Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed cords, over- loaded lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain about the condition of your electrical appliances or household service, have a professional evaluate these units.

2.Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well-ventilated cool area? Cleaning with flammable liquids should be avoided.

3.Are fire-hazardous materials (matches) well out of reach of children?

4.Are furnaces and wood-burning appliances properly installed, clean and in good work- ing order? Have a professional evaluate these appliances.

There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it becomes deadly. It is thus very important that a family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.

1.Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.

2.Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since many fires occur at night, special attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.

3.Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior door.

Consider the following when making your escape plans:

•Make sure that all border doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that they are not painted shut, and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.

•If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or handicapped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes making sure that those who are to per- form the rescue can promptly hear the fire warning signal.

•If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided as well as training in its use.

•Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from exterior patio doors in winter; outdoor furniture or equipment should not block exits.

•Each person should know of a predetermined assembly point where everyone can be accounted for (e.g., across the street or at a neighbor’s house). Once everyone is out of the building, call the Fire Department.

•A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate or attempt to fight the fire, and do not gather belongings or pets as this wastes valuable time. Once outside, do not re-enter the house. Wait for the fire department.

•Write the fire escape plan down and rehearse it frequently so that should an emergency arise, everyone will know what to do. Revise the plan as conditions change, such as the number of people in the home, or if there are changes to the building’s construction.

•Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly tests (see “Test- ing Your System” on page 18). If you are unsure about system operation, contact your installing dealer.

•We recommend that you contact your local fire department and request further infor- mation on fire safety and escape planning. If available, have your local fire prevention officer conduct an in-house fire safety inspection.