Silverdale Fire Co - Emergency Services

Silverdale Fire Co - Emergency Services - Fire Rescue

Early Warning And Escape - How Safe Is Your Home?

The following was taken from the Home Fire Safety Checklist. The checklist was developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent regulatory agency of the U.S. Government.

EARLY WARNING AND ESCAPE

Even when you have complied with every item in this Home Fire Safety Checklist, you still need to have a plan for early warning and escape in case a fire does occur.

Many fire deaths and fire injuries are actually caused by smoke and gases. Victims inhale smoke and poisonous gases that rise ahead of the flames. Survival depends on being warned as early as possible and having an escape plan.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.

Smoke Detectors

1. At least one smoke detector is located on
every floor of my home. Yes___ No___

2. Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms,
either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below
the ceiling on the wall. Yes___ No___

3. Smoke detectors are tested according to
manufacturer's instructions on a regular
basis (at least once a month) and are kept
in working condition at all times. Yes___ No___

4. Batteries are replaced according to manufacturer's
instructions, at least annually. Yes___ No___

5. Batteries are never disconnected Yes___ No___

6. The detector has a distinct warning signal
that can be heard whether asleep or awake. Yes___ No___

Recommendations:

Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and are required by law in many localities. Check local codes and regulations before you buy your smoke detector because some codes require specific types of detectors. They provide an early warning which is critical because the longer the delay, the deadlier the consequences.

Read the instructions that come with the detector for advice on the best place to install it. As a minimum detectors should be located near bedrooms and one on every floor.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance. Smoke detectors can save lives, but only if properly installed and maintained.

Never disconnect a detector. Consider relocating the detector rather than disconnecting it if it is subject to nuisance alarms, e.g. from cooking.

Replace the battery annually, or when a "chirping" sound is heard.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions about cleaning your detector. Excessive dust, grease or other material in the detector may cause it to operate abnormally. Vacuum the grill work of your detector.

Escape Plan

Planning ahead, rehearsing, thinking, and acting clearly are keys to surviving a fire. How prepared are you?

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.

1. The family has an escape plan and an
alternate escape plan. Yes___ No___

2. Escape routes and plans are rehearsed
periodically. Yes___ No___

3. The escape plan includes choosing a
place safely outside the house where the
family can meet to be sure everyone got
out safely. Yes___ No___

4. At least two exits from each part of the
house are established. Yes___ No___

5. The fire department number is posted on
every telephone. Yes___ No___

Recommendations:

Establish advanced family planning for escape. It is an important partner with smoke detectors and it will prepare you for a fire emergency.

Include small children as a part of the discussion and rehearsal. It is especially important to make sure they understand that they must escape; they can't hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.

Your life and that of your family can be saved by foresight, planning, discussing and rehearsal.

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