Home Fire Escape Planning


March 3, 2021

Brandon, MB – If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.  Brandon Fire & Emergency Services is reminding the public to plan ahead and make a Home Escape Plan.  Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

YOU NEED WORKING SMOKE ALARMS 

  • Install smoke alarms outside of sleeping areas and in each sleeping room.  

  • Have at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home, including the basement. 

  • Test your smoke alarms monthly and change batteries twice a year. 

 

PLAN YOUR EXITS 

  • Draw a floor plan of your home showing every possible exit from every room.  

  • Each room should have a main and an alternate exit. 

  • Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily. 

  • Teach children to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. 

 

PICK A SAFE MEETING PLACE 

  • Set up a meeting place (something permanent like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance in front of the home where firefighters will easily find you.   

  • This will ensure that you know who is out of the building and who is still inside. 

  • Call 911 once you have escaped from the building.  Never go back inside for any reason. 

  • Make sure your house number can be seen from the street both day and night. 

 

PRACTICE PREVENTS PANIC 

  • Practice what to do in case there is smoke. Press the smoke alarm button to start the drill. 

  • Crawl low under smoke as the freshest air is closest to the floor. 

  • Practice using different ways out.  Close doors behind you as you leave to help contain the fire. 

  • Practice your escape plan at least twice a year in different weather conditions. Practice at night and during the day.  

  • After you have practiced your drill, evaluate it and discuss what worked well and what needs to be improved.  Make changes and practice again.