Be On The Safe Side: Smoke Detectors & Evacuation Plans
Every facility must have both!
Did you know that October is Fire Safety Month? We make lists all the time at home and at work - what needs to be done, how to do it, who needs to be involved. But all too often there is not a list to ensure full preparedness for fire safety.
Preparedness and planning are key to SAFE EVACUATION!!!
Did you know?
- Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
- Seven people die every day from a home fire, with most of these being children and the elderly.
- More than one-third (37%) of home fire deaths result from fires where no smoke alarms are present.
- The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
The American Red Cross has launched a national campaign to put smoke detectors in homes and classrooms. Smoke detectors alert occupants to the need for an evacuation but you must also have an evacuation plan and PRACTICE THAT PLAN to be prepared!!
A good evacuation plan should include at least two escape routes, a meeting place, and practice to ensure safe and successful evacuation. Families should know what their smoke alarm sounds like, and that in a smoke-filled room, the closer to the floor each person can get, they better they will be able to breathe.
- Practice crawling to an exit.
- Teach everyone to STOP, DROP and ROLL if clothes catch on fire.
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!
Successful evacuations are a result of good planning and practice. Once the smoke alarm sounds, measure how long it takes to complete a fire drill and work toward exiting the building in less than two minutes. Once you have safely evacuated, call 911 for help. Let the fire department save your structure and belongings, you focus on the people from the building!!!
For additional information on fire safety and fun activities for children:
Review the rules related to fire safety and emergencies and be prepared! Your consultant may ask you to conduct a fire drill during a visit to ensure that you are prepared and have practiced, evacuate in a timely manner, and are working hard to ensure the safety of the children in your care. Make fire safety fun! What your children learn from you, they will take home!
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter and ask how you can get information about their fire safety campaign. You can also contact your local fire department for fire safety tips.
Sources: National Fire Protection Association and American Red Cross