More than 4,000 Americans
die each year in fires, and more than 25,000 are injured. Deaths resulting from
failed emergency escapes are particularly avoidable.
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.
For More Information
Contact:
The
Office of Fire Management Programs
Or visit the USFA website: www.usfa.fema.gov