Family Escape Planning; Maintenance - DSC LCD4500 User Manual

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.
• 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 neighbour.
• 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.
• Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly
tests as noted elsewhere in this manual. If you are unsure about system
operation, contact your installing dealer.
• It is recommended that you contact your local fire department and
request further information on home fire safety and escape planning. If
available, have your local fire prevention officer conduct an in-house fire
safety inspection.

Maintenance

With normal use, the system requires minimum maintenance. The following
points should be observed.
1. Do not wash the keypad with a wet cloth. Light dusting with a barely damp
cloth should remove normal accumulations of dust.
2. The battery/bell test is designed to determine battery condition, however it
is recommended that the stand-by batteries be replaced every three years.
3. For other system devices such as smoke detectors, passive infrared,
ultrasonic or microwave motion detectors, or glassbreak detectors, consult
the respective manufacturer's literature for testing and maintenance.
26