Fire Escape Planning

A home fire-escape plan may save your family's life!

Developing a fire-escape plan:

Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home. Test them regularly.
Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room. Plan a main exit route and an alternate exit route from each room. Make sure to include all hallways and stairs in your escape plan.
You should know two ways out of every room. Always know at least two ways how to escape from all levels of your home.
Make sure all doors and windows can be unlocked or opened.
Ensure that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke detector or hear someone shout "fire" they should evacuate immediately.
Decide on a meeting place. Someone should phone the fire department (9-1-1)
Meet the firefighters when they arrive so they know that you are safe.
Make certain that everyone in your home knows not to re-enter a burning building. Get out and stay out.
Firefighters are properly equipped and trained to perform rescue operations, you are not.

Practice your escape plan. Regular practice is the best way to help prevent panic when an actual emergency occurs. Be sure that every member of the family knows what to do.

Additional Information:

A properly installed and maintained smoke detector usually provides enough warning to enable you to leave your home safely.
Before opening any door, feel it. Do not open a hot door. Use an alternate exit instead.
If the door and knob are cool, stay low with your shoulder against the door, open slowly. Be ready to close the door if smoke and heat rush in.
Smoke and heat rise; breathable cool air stays low. Practice your escape plan by crawling on your hands and knees.
If you are trapped, but as many closed doors as possible between you and the fire; seal all cracks in doors and windows with towels or bedding.
If you live in an apartment building, your escape plan should take the building management procedures into account.
If there is anyone in your home who needs help to evacuate, assign someone to assist.
Make sure your babysitter understands your fire-escape plan.

In case of fire in your home, make a family fire-escape plan and keep your escape routes free of obstructions. Practice this plan often, and keep these pointers in mind:

Stay calm
Sound a warning
If you awake to a smoke-filled room, crawl below the smoke to safety.
Check the doors to see if they are warm. A warm door may mean that there is a fire on the other side. Use an alternate exit if possible.
Get everyone out; wrap children in blankets if necessary, don't take time to get dressed.
Close the doors behind you as you evacuate. This will slow down the fire.
If your hair or clothing should catch on fire, smother the flames with a towel, blanket or other thick material, or Stop where you are, Drop gently to the ground and cover your face with your hands and Roll back and forth to put out the flames. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Call the Fire Department from a safe location. Do not delay.

Fire Won't Wait - Plan Your Escape

If fire broke out tonight while you were sleeping, would you get out alive? You must develop a home fire escape plan now and practice it regularly. Make sure you know two ways out of each room. If you encounter thick smoke, drop to the floor and crawl on your hands and knees to safety. Call the Fire Services from a neighbour's home. Remember, fire won't wait - so plan your escape.