What To Do If The Alarm Sounds
When the smoke alarm sounds:
Smoke alarms are designed to minimise false alarms. Cigarette smoke will not normally set off the alarm, unless the smoke is blown directly into the alarm. Combustion particles from cooking may set off the alarm if located too close to the cooking area. Large quantities of combustible particles are generated from spills or when grilling. Using the fan on a cooker hood which vents to the outside (non recirculating type) will also help remove these combustible products from the kitchen.
If the alarm sounds, check for fires first. If a fire is discovered follow these steps. Become thoroughly familiar with these items, and review with all family members!
•Alert small children in the home. Children sleep very sound and may not be awakened by the sound of the smoke alarms.
•Leave immediately using one of your planned escape routes (see page 23). Every second counts, don’t stop to get dressed or pick up valuables.
•Before opening inside doors look for smoke seeping in around the edges, and feel with the back of your hand. If the door is hot use your second exit. If you feel it’s safe, open the door very slowly and be prepared to close immediately if smoke and heat rush in.
•If the escape route requires you to go through smoke, crawl low under the smoke where the air is clearer.
•Go to your predetermined meeting place. When two people have arrived one should leave to call 999 from a neighbour’s home, and the other should stay to perform a head count.
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