Fire Safety In The Home; Household Fire Safety Audit; Family Escape Planning - DSC LCD 5500 Manual

Fire Safety in the Home

Most fires occur in the home and to minimize this danger it is recommended that a household fire
safety audit be conducted and a family escape plan be developed.

Household Fire Safety Audit

1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition e.g. frayed cords, over-loaded lighting
circuits? If you are uncertain about the condition of your electrical appliances or household
service, have a professional evaluation.
2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well ventilated cool area?
Cleaning with flammable liquids should be avoided.
3. Are fire hazardous materials (matches) well out of reach of children?
4. Are furnaces and wood burning appliances properly installed, clean and in good working order?
Have a professional evaluation.

Family Escape Planning

There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it becomes deadly. It is
thus very important that a family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.
1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house and since many fires occur
at night, special attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3. It is essential that escape from a bedroom be possible without opening the interior door. To
facilitate such an escape:
Make sure that doors and/or windows that open to the outside are easily opened. e.g. not
painted shut.
If opening the exit means, or simply making the exit may be too difficult for children, the elderly
or handicapped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes making sure that those
who are to perform the rescue can promptly hear the fire warning signal.
If the exit means is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided
as well as training in its use.
Exits on the ground level should be kept clear, e.g. remove snow from exterior patio doors.
The family should have a predetermined assembly point where everyone can be accounted for,
e.g. across the street or at a neighbours.
Once everyone is out of the house call the Fire Department.
A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate first or attempt to fight the fire and do
not attempt to rescue valuables or pets as this takes up valuable time. Once outside, do not re-
enter the house. Wait for the fire department.
Write the plan down and rehearse frequently so that should an emergency arise, everyone will
know what they are to do. Revise the plan as conditions change, e.g. more or fewer family
member or changes to the house.
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