Did you know that home fires are one of the most common emergencies experienced by Canadians?
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.
Luckily, the National Fire Protection Association has been looking out for us for 100 years, providing services and information that has undoubtedly saved many lives. In honour of the 100th Fire Prevention Week, we’ve compiled a guide of some of their best advice on how to Plan Your Escape.
- Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
- Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
- Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
- Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
- Practice using different ways out.
- Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!
- If you live in an apartment or high rise…
- Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features in your building (fire alarms, sprinklers, voice communication procedures, evacuation plans and how to respond to an alarm).
- Know the locations of all available exit stairs from your floor in case the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke.
- Make sure all exit and stairwell doors are clearly marked, not locked or blocked by security bars and clear of clutter.
- If there is a fire, pull the fire alarm on your way out to notify the fire department and your neighbors. If an announcement is made throughout the building, listen carefully and follow directions.
- Use the stairs to get out. Typically you should not use the elevator unless directed by the fire department.
- If you live in an apartment or high rise…
- If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
- Feel the door before opening and close all doors behind you as you leave. If it is hot, use another way out. If it is cool, leave by the nearest way out.
- If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
- Call the fire department from outside your home.
We encourage you to plan ahead this Fire Prevention Week so that you and your loved ones are prepared to stay safe all year round.
Head to https://www.nfpa.org/fpw to access a wide variety of additional resources and safety tips to plan your escape today.