The Muskoka Fire Prevention Officers are urging families in Muskoka to practise their home fire escape plan as part of Family Day on February 19. Last year, 79 people died in fires across the province, a stark reminder that everyone in your household must know exactly what to do if a fire occurs.
“Most fatal fires occur at night when everyone is asleep, so that is why it is so important for everyone to know what to do when the smoke alarms sound,” said Muskoka Lakes Fire Chief Richard Hayes. “Everyone should know what to do and where to go to get out safely.”
Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:
- Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside sleeping areas. It’s the law. For best protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
- Develop a home fire escape plan and discuss it with the entire family.
- Show everyone two ways out of each room, if possible.
- Check that all exits are unobstructed and easy to use.
- Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults or anyone else that may need assistance.
- Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
- If caught in smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest safe exit.
- Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home.
- Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
You may have only seconds to safely escape your home. Practise your home fire escape plan and make sure everyone can get out quickly.
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