The Hamilton Fire Department is urging families in Hamilton to practice their home fire escape plan as part of Family Day on February 20, 2017. Last year, 88 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, install smoke alarms in every bedroom. • Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. 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. Practice your home fire escape plan and make sure everyone can get out quickly. If you don’t have a home fire escape plan, take the time now to develop one. For more information on home fire safety visit the Hamilton Fire web site at www.hamilton.ca/fire
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