01/05/2014
Fire Safety In Your Home
About 50 people die each year because of preventable fires in the home. Every fire has a cause and most often, there’s a common-sense, simple method of prevention. Careless attention to fireplaces, heaters, smoking and cooking equipment are leading caused of fire-death and injury. This leaflet explains the basics of fire prevention in the home and what to do should a fire break out. Remember, the age groups most at risk are the under 12’s and over 60’s Let’s start with three golden rules.
1. Plan and practice an escape drill with your family.
2. Install smoke alarms to give you an early warning.
3. Survey your home to ensure that it is firesafe.
1. The Escape Drill – Automatic Safety
Most often when fire breaks out, so too do panic and error. Things can happen very quickly and in a situation where seconds can save lives, you and your family need to be able to act without hesitation. A rehearsed fire escape drill can make all the difference.
Your Fire Drill at a Glance
Together, plan two escape routes from each room.
Practice the plan until perfected
Close all doors behind you as you leave
The stairs are your primary escape route – keep them clear.
If your clothes catch fire – stop, drop and roll
Do not re-enter the house for any reason
Phone the fire brigade from a nearby outside phone
Decide on a meeting point outside the house near where the fire brigade is likely to arrive.
If you are prevented from leaving by smoke, heat or fire, close the room and seal all cracks with sheets or clothing or a sheet. Always keep down on the floor where the air is cleaner and cooler. Using this leaflet, practice the drill every few months with your family.