Characteristics of Fire in the Home
- The effects of a fire in real life are more drastic than what is shown on TV and in movies.
- Fires in homes give off thick, black smoke that makes it almost impossible to see. Even though you are in your own home, you can become disoriented and go the wrong way – perhaps towards the fire!
- In a fire the smoke will kill you long before the flames get close. Smoke contains poisonous gases that deaden your senses and prevent you from waking up.
- Most fires happen at night when people are asleep. Without smoke alarms, you have little chance of getting out alive.
- Fires give off intense heat, up to 2,000 degrees Celsius at ceiling level. These temperatures will cause severe burns and will quickly render you unconscious.
- A fire can spread extremely quickly, engulfing a home in a matter of a few minutes. Smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan will help you get out safely.
Escape Plans
- Identify two ways out of every room. Windows can be your second way out but make sure they are easily opened from the inside and allow enough room to exit the structure.
- Choose a family meeting place a safe distance from the front of your home.
- Make sure your plan considers people with mobility issues and young children who may require assistance from others.
- Practice getting out of your home by all exits by holding fire drills for the entire family.
- When the smoke alarm sounds, expect that you must get out immediately. Do not stop to collect possessions or pets.
- Always stay low to avoid smoke and to stay in the cleanest air.
- Feel any closed doors for heat before opening – stay low behind the door and feel the door from the bottom up to and including the door handle.
- If the door and handle feel cool, open the door slightly and look outside. If it looks safe, then leave the building, and head for your family meeting place.
- If the door or handle feels warm, or if you see smoke or flames beyond the door, make sure the door is shut and use your second escape route. If your escape route is on the second floor, plan for a safe way to reach the ground such as a fire escape ladder.
- If you are trapped in a room, close the door, and seal the openings around the door and vents with clothing or blankets. Call 9-1-1 and tell the operator that you are trapped inside. If it is safe to do so, open the window, turn the light on and signal and call for help.
Smoke Alarms
- Properly placed smoke alarms will warn everyone in case of fire.
- Install several smoke alarms in your home. Place at least one on every level. Consider installing additional alarms both inside and outside bedrooms, especially for heavy sleepers, children, and those with disabilities.
- Connect hard wired smoke alarms directly to the backup power system or install a battery powered smoke alarm on every level of your home in case of power failure.
- Do not install alarms near the kitchen to minimise false alarms from cooking.
- Alarms should not be installed within 10 feet (3 meters) of a stove
- Test smoke alarms every month. Replace batteries once a year.
- Vacuum smoke alarms at least once every six months.
- Replace smoke alarms as specified by the manufacturer.
FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY INFORMATION, SEE THE DOCUMENT IN THE LINK BELOW
