poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not
well, they become so disoriented they are unable to save
themselves by either exiting the building, or calling for assis-
tance. Also, young children and household pets may be the
first effected. Familiarization with the effects of each level is
important.
Escape Plan
Prepare and practice a home escape plan twice a year, includ-
ing drills at night. Know two ways out of every room (door &
window) and identify a meeting place outside the home where
everyone will gather once they have exited the residence.
When two people have reached the meeting place, one should
leave to call 911 while the second person stays to account for
additional family members. Establish a rule that once you’re
out, you never reenter under any cir-
cumstance!
Fire Prevention
Never smoke in bed, or leave cooking
food unattended. Teach children never
to play with matches or lighters! Train
everyone in the home to recognize the
alarm pattern, voice message warning
and to leave the home using their
escape plan when it’s heard. Know how
to do “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes catch on fire, and how
to crawl low under smoke. Install and maintain fire extinguish-
ers on every level of the home and in the kitchen, basement
and garage. Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to an
emergency. Second level and higher occupied rooms with win-
dows, should have an escape ladder.
Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all
sleeping individuals, and that it is the responsibility of individu-
als in the household that are capable of assisting others to pro-
vide assistance to those who may not be awakened by the
alarm sound, or to those who may be incapable of safely evac-
uating the area unassisted.
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Fire Safety Information