| 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.
2. Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall.
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.
4. Batteries are replaced according to manufacturer's instructions, at least annually.
5. Batteries are never disconnected
6. The detector has a distinct warning signal that can be heard whether asleep or awake.
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.
Develop an “Escape Plan” and discuss it with every member in the household.
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.
2. Escape routes and plans are rehearsed periodically
3. The escape plan includes choosing a place safely outside the house where the family can meet to be sure
everyone got out safely.
4. At least two exits from each part of the house are established.
5. The fire department number is posted on every telephone and your cell phone.
6. You have a list of all cell phone numbers for family, friends and key contacts.
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.
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.
2. Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall.
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.
4. Batteries are replaced according to manufacturer's instructions, at least annually.
5. Batteries are never disconnected
6. The detector has a distinct warning signal that can be heard whether asleep or awake.
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.
Develop an “Escape Plan” and discuss it with every member in the household.
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.
2. Escape routes and plans are rehearsed periodically
3. The escape plan includes choosing a place safely outside the house where the family can meet to be sure
everyone got out safely.
4. At least two exits from each part of the house are established.
5. The fire department number is posted on every telephone and your cell phone.
6. You have a list of all cell phone numbers for family, friends and key contacts.
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.