Good Safety Habits; Develop And Practice A Plan Of Escape - Kidde i9030 User Manual

7. Limitations of Smoke Alarms
• If the alarm is located outside the sleeping room or on a different
floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one's ability to hear the
smoke alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be
installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.
• Although smoke alarms can help save lives by providing an early
warning of a fire, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy.
Home owners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect
their lives and property.

8. Good Safety Habits

DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE

• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two
(2) escape routes from each room. Second story windows may need a
rope or chain ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing every-
one what to do in case of fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where you all can meet if a fire
occurs.
• Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train
them to leave your home when they hear it
• Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire drills at
night. Ensure that small children hear the alarm and wake when it
sounds. They must wake up in order to execute the escape plan.
Practice allows all occupants to test your plan before an emergency.
You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know
what to do.
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home and
in the kitchen, basement and garage. Know how to use a fire extin-
guisher prior to an emergency.
• Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleep-
ing individuals, and that it is the responsibility of individuals in the
household that are capable of assisting others to provide assistance to
those who may not be awakened by the alarm sound, or to those
who may be incapable of safely evacuating the area unassisted.
• There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to pro-
tect against fire as noted by the NFPA and UL. For instance:
- Smoking in bed.
- Leaving children unsupervised.
- Cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline.