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.