Practise Home Fire Escape Planning on Family Day

TORONTO, Feb. 10 /CNW/ - The Office of the Fire Marshal is urging families in Ontario to practise their home fire escape plan as part of Family Day on February 15, 2010. Last year, 101 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.

    
    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, also 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.

QUOTES

"Most fatal fires occur at night when everyone is asleep, so that is why it is so important for everyone to have working smoke alarms and know what to do when they sound," said Pat Burke, Fire Marshal of Ontario. "Working smoke alarms will give you the early warning you need for everyone to get out safely."

LEARN MORE

No Time to Spare is a popular educational video on the importance of preventing fires and maintaining working smoke alarms. The video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSw0rxNAHus.

For further information: Gina Pontikas, Office of the Fire Marshal, [phone]