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Escape
Planning
Get
Out Safely
More
than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires, and approximately
25,000 are injured. Deaths resulting from failed emergency
escapes are particularly avoidable.
The
United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), believes that
having a sound escape plan will greatly reduce fire deaths and
protect you and your family's safety if a fire occurs.
HAVE
A SOUND FIRE ESCAPE PLAN
In
the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and
every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your
home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get
completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only
takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and
become engulfed in flames.
SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS
- Practice
Escaping From Every Room In The Home
Practice
escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to
get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by
fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary
route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an
Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder
for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that
windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly
and that security bars can be properly opened. Also,
practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or
with your eyes closed.
- Security
Bars Require Special Precautions
Security
bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but
they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Windows and doors
with security bars must have quick release devices to
allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make
sure everyone in the family understands and practices how
to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and
windows.
- Immediately
Leave The Home
When
a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take
the safest exit route, but if you must escape through
smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep
your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases which
can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
- Never
Open Doors That Are Hot To The Touch
When
you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to
feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack
between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is
not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary
escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it
carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open
it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and
make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate
escape route.
- Designate
A Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance
Designate
a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily
across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree
or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make
sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be
hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate
one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire
department.
- Once
Out, Stay Out
Remember
to escape first, then notify the fire department using the
911 system or proper local emergency number in your area.
Never go back into a burning building for any reason.
Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone
is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped to
perform rescues safely.
Finally,
having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your
home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke
alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with
new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the
entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer
guidelines recommend.
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