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Appendix C:
Planning for
Emergencies
Develop plans for a variety of emergency situations. Periodically discuss and rehearse emer-
gency plans that include the following:
•
Understand how to use your security system.
•
Know the normal state of doors and windows; open, closed, or locked.
•
Use a different escape route if closed doors feel hot to the touch.
•
Emphasize that everyone should escape as quickly as possible. Do not stop to gather any
belongings.
•
Crawl and hold your breath as much as possible to help reduce smoke inhalation during your
escape.
•
Meet at a designated outdoor location.
•
Emphasize that no one should return to the premises if there is a fire.
•
Notify fire department from a neighboring building's phone.
!
If you arrive at the premises and hear sirens, do not attempt to enter the building. Call for
emergency assistance from a neighbor's phone.
Warning
Your Floor Plan
Figure C1 has examples of floor plans. Use these examples and the following guidelines when
drawing your floor plan:
•
Show all building levels.
•
Show exits from each room (if possible).
•
Show all building exits and fire escapes.
•
Show the location of all security system components.
•
Show the locations of fire extinguishers.
Alarm System Limitations
Not even the most advanced alarm system can guarantee protection against burglary, fire, or
environmental emergencies. All alarm systems are subject to possible compromise or failure-to-
warn, for a variety of reasons
•
If sirens are not placed within range of persons sleeping, in remote areas of the premises, or if
they are placed behind doors or other obstacles.
•
If intruders gain access through unprotected entry points or areas where sensors are bypassed.
•
If intruders have the technical means of bypassing, jamming, or disconnecting any or all parts
of the system.
•
If power to sensors is disconnected or inadequate.
•
If environmental sensors are absent in areas where the specific condition can be detected.
•
If smoke does not reach a smoke sensor. For example, smoke sensors cannot detect smoke in
chimneys, walls, roofs, or smoke blocked by a closed door. Sensors may not detect smoke on
building levels different from their installed location. Sensors may not warn when fires are
caused by smoking in bed, explosions, improper storage of flammables, overloaded electrical
circuits, or other hazardous conditions.
•
If telephone lines are out of service. Telephone lines are also vulnerable to compromise by
any of several means.
Inadequate maintenance is the most common cause of alarm failure. Therefore, test your system
once each week to verify sensors, sirens, and phone communications are all working correctly.
!
Security systems and devices cannot compensate you for life or property losses.
Warning
23
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