The District of Summerland, British Columbia, Canada
Home  |  Contact Us  |  Sitemap          
Loading
 

Fire Department

Safety Tips

Fire Safety for Preschoolers

The Facts:
Children are particularly vulnerable to burns and fire deaths. To prevent fire and burn injuries from affecting your preschooler, teach them the following fire and life safety lessons.

  • Tell a grown-up when you find matches and lighters
  • Practice an escape plan Crawl low, under smoke
  • Cool a burn
  • Stop, Drop, and Roll

Teaching these lessons has proven to save lives. Together, we can make a difference.

Tell a Grown-up when you find Matches and Lighters

Matches and lighters are one of the leading causes of fire deaths among young children. Most children are fascinated with fire and try to imitate adult behaviour.

Teaching tips:
Lighters and matches are tools for grown-ups only, not toys for children.
Keep lighters and matches stored safely out of reach and out of sight in a locked container. Teach children to tell a grown-up when they find matches and lighters. They should not touch them.
Remind smokers to keep matches and lighters safely out of reach.
Continuous supervision of young children is the best prevention.

Crawl Low Under Smoke

In a fire, smoke containing toxic gases and heat rises toward the ceiling. This means the cleanest air is closest to the floor.

Teaching tips:
Teach children to use an alternate route if they encounter smoke or flames during their escape.
If they must escape through smoke, children should crawl on their hands and knees staying below the smoke where the air is easier to breathe.

STOP, DROP, and ROLL

Everyone can learn that if their clothes catch on fire,

STOP where you are, do not run.

DROP immediately to the ground and cover your face with your hands.

ROLL over and over to smother the flames.

Practice an Escape Plan

Young children often die in fires because they try to hide from smoke or flames. These needless deaths may easily be prevented by developing a home escape plan.

Teaching tips:
Teach children that a smoke alarm warns them of fire or smoke and when they hear the sound, they should start their home escape plan.
As a family, develop a home escape plan which includes two ways out of every room Make sure everyone in your family knows your family meeting place outside of your home Practice your plan by sounding the smoke alarm and following your escape routes to your outside meeting place.
Remind children never to go back inside until a parent or firefighter says it's "OK" Once safely outside, call 911 from a neighbours house

Cool a Burn

Running cool water over a burn immediately will reduce its severity.

Teaching tips:
Children should be taught to always tell a grown-up if they are burned.
Cool the burn by placing it under cool water for 10 - 15 minutes.
Never use ice, ointments, or butter on a burn. This traps the heat inside and makes the burn worse.

Back to Top

Home Smoke Alarms

Most fatal home fires happen at night when people are sleeping. In reality, the smell of smoke may not wake a sleeping person. A fire produces poisonous gases and smoke which can numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep. Inexpensive household smoke alarms can save your life by sounding an alarm alerting you to a fire and giving you time to escape safely. Home fire deaths have steadily decreased as the numbers of homes with working smoke alarms has increased. Having working smoke alarms in your home reduces your risk of dying in a fire by half.

Choosing a Smoke Alarm

When purchasing a smoke alarm, check to make sure that it has been tested to the CAN/ULC S531-M standard by an approved testing agency. There are two types of smoke alarms for home use. One type is called an ionization alarm because it monitors "ions", electrically charged particles. Smoke particles entering the sensing chamber change the electrical balance of the air. The alarms sounds when the change in electrical balance reaches a preset level. The other type is called a photoelectric alarm because its sensing chamber uses a beam of light and a light sensor. Smoke particles entering the chamber change the amount of light that reaches the light sensor. The alarm sounds when the smoke density reaches a preset level. Both types of smoke alarms are acceptable and perform effectively, provided they are installed and maintained correctly.

How Many Smoke Alarms do I Need?

It is recommended that every home has a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. For maximum protection, consider installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Ensure everyone sleeping in your home can hear the sound of the smoke alarm, even when the bedroom doors are closed. If anyone is hearing impaired, install special smoke alarms that will alert them. The installation of smoke alarms is governed by provincial regulations and in certain areas by local by-laws. To ensure compliance, check with your local jurisdiction.

Where do I Install my Smoke Alarms?

Since smoke rises, install smoke alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling. Take the time to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them exactly. Do not install an alarm near a window, door, or air register where drafts could prevent smoke from reaching the alarm.

How do I Maintain my Smoke Alarm?

It is very important to test and clean all smoke alarms regularly. Test your smoke alarms by pressing the test button once a month. Vacuum your smoke alarms twice a year to remove any dust or dirt from the sensing register. For battery operated alarms, change the battery at least once a year. Remember never to "borrow" a smoke alarm's battery for another device's use. Smoke alarms do not last forever. Alarms that are older than 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced.

What do I do if my Smoke Alarm Sounds?

Smoke alarms give your family a warning, but it is your responsibility to get yourself and your family out of your home safely. Your family will do the right thing if you've planned ahead for a fire emergency. Ensure that everyone knows what the smoke alarm sounds like Plan your escape routes. Know at least two ways out of every room and choose a meeting place outside your home where your family can gather. Practice your home escape plan at least twice a year. When a smoke alarm sounds, leave right away. Go directly to your family meeting place and call 911 or your local emergency number from a neighbour's phone. Remember, once you're out, stay out. Never go back inside a burning building.

Back to Top

Portable Fire Extinguishers

A portable fire extinguisher can be a very effective tool in saving lives and property. Use portable fire extinguishers to extinguish small, contained fires. Portable fire extinguishers have limitations. They are not designed to fight large fires or those that may spread quickly. Portable fire extinguishers are appropriate for fighting fires such as those on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a wastepaper basket. Use an extinguisher only if the fire is in its early stages.

Before You Attempt to Fight a Fire, Make Sure That:

If your building has a fire alarm, it has been sounded. If not, alert the occupants.

Everyone has left or is in the process of leaving the building.

The Fire Department has been called.

The fire is small and confined.

You have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire.

You choose the right type of extinguisher for the fire.

You have read the instructions and know how to use the extinguisher.

Remember, do not fight a fire under any other circumstances! Instead, leave the building, close the doors behind you, and immediately call the Fire Department.

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher:

Only choose extinguishers that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory and labelled for their intended use. The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type and size of fire being fought. It is important to select the appropriate extinguisher for the correct fire classification. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can make the fire worse and is dangerous to the operator.

Installation and Maintenance:

Install extinguishers in plain view, near an escape route and away from stoves and heating equipment.

Extinguishers need to be cared for. Read operator's manual for inspection, installation, and maintenance instructions. Rechargeable models MUST be serviced after every use. (See the yellow pages under Fire Extinguishers). Disposable extinguishers are very limited and can be used only once.

What is Fire?

Fire is a combination of oxygen, fuel and heat. This is called the fire triangle. If you remove any one element of this triangle, the fire will go out.

Classes of Fire:

The 3 most common classes of fires are A,B, and C. The other class of fire is D.

This symbol indicates an extinguisher that may be used on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic, or cloth. This symbol may be found on water, foam, or multi-purpose extinguishers.

This symbol indicates an extinguisher that is appropriate for use on flammable or combustible liquids. The symbol may be found on multi-purpose dry chemical, dry chemical, and carbon dioxide extinguishers.

This symbol indicates an extinguisher that may be used on fires involving energized electrical equipment. The symbol may be found on carbon dioxide, multi-purpose dry chemical, and dry chemical extinguishers.

This symbol indicates an extinguisher that may be used on some types of combustible metals including combustible magnesium, sodium, and potassium. The symbol may be found on dry chemical extinguishers. You will rarely encounter a class D extinguisher in your home or office.

 

Use the P.A.S.S. Word

To use a portable fire extinguisher effectively, remember the 4 step P.A.S.S. Word

1) Pull the Pin: Holding the extinguisher nozzle pointing away from you, remove the pin, seal, or lever release mechanism. Usually it is a pin.

2) Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Always hold the extinguisher vertically, never horizontally.

3) Squeeze the Lever Fully: This will release the extinguishing agent through the nozzle. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.

4) Sweep from Side to Side: Sweep the nozzle from side to side aiming at the base of the fire. As the flames closest to you go out, you can move closer to the remaining fire and continue the sweeping motion until the fire is extinguished.

Back to Top

Fire Safety In The Workplace

Follow simple fire safety practices and you can prevent fires at work and reduce injuries and losses.


Creating a Fire-Safe Workplace

Housekeeping:

Keep your workplace clutter free. Keep exits, stairways, storage areas, staff rooms, and work areas free from debris such as empty boxes, waste paper, and dirty rags. Keep flammable liquid storage to a minimum and in approved containers. Keep large quantities of flammable liquids in an approved storage cabinet. Follow your building's security measures and keep unauthorized people out of your workplace. Keep alleys and other areas around your building well lit.

Appliances:

Unplug or turn off all appliances including coffee makers, hot plates, and burners at the end of each day. Allow air to circulate around heat-producing equipment such as photocopiers, computer terminals, and heaters.

Smoking:

Cigarettes, matches, and lighters cause a large number of fires in the workplace. Smoke only where permitted and use large, non-tip ashtrays. Thoroughly soak butts with water before discarding. Ensure visitors are aware of smoking regulations.

Electrical Safety:

Replace electrical cords that have cracked insulation or broken connectors. Do not overload electrical circuits Never run extension cords across doorways, under carpets, or where they can be stepped on or pinched.


Prepare for Emergencies

During a fire, everyone's safety depends on good preparation and efficient evacuation.

Employers Should:

Post fire escape plans in a prominent location on every level. Ensure all employees are familiar with exit locations, escape routes, and fire extinguisher locations. Conduct regular fire drills. Post the emergency numbers on or near all telephones. Make provisions for the safe evacuation of employees with disabilities by appointing someone to assist them. Appoint and train a fire warden on each level of the building to ensure safe evacuation and ongoing safety programs.

Employees Should:

Know the location of all building exits. Know the location of the nearest fire alarms and how to use them. Count the doors or desks between their work area and the nearest exit. During a fire, exit signs may not be visible due to smoke or a power failure.


If A Fire Occurs

  • Sound the alarm and leave the building immediately, closing all doors behind you.
  • If smoke blocks your primary exit, use another one. If you must exit through the smoke, stay low by crawling on your hands and knees.
  • Check doors before opening them. Kneel or crouch at the door, reach up and touch the door, knob and frame. If you feel any warmth on or around the door, use another escape route. If the door feels cool, open it slowly and carefully with your shoulder against it. Slam the door shut if you see any flames or smoke on the other side.
  • Call 911 no matter how small the fire appears to be .
  • Follow directions from the fire and security personnel. Once outside, move away from the building to the designated meeting location, out of the way of fire fighters. Remain outside until the Fire Department says you may go back inside.

Back to Top

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

Natural Christmas Trees

Before buying a Christmas tree, test for freshness by tapping the base of the tree on the ground or pulling lightly on a limb. If many needles fall off or needles can easily be pulled off, the tree is too dry. Keep your tree as fresh as possible by placing the stump of the tree in a bucket of water out of doors until you are ready to decorate. Before setting up the tree inside the house, trim two inches off the stem diagonally so it can absorb water. Mount the tree securely in a large, wide based reservoir stand and add water each day to ensure the tree is well watered. Choose a suitable location for your tree, ensuring that it is well away from heating sources and clear of all exits.

Artificial Trees

Though fireproof, metal or aluminium trees are electrically conductive and cannot be decorated with any electrical product. The metal can cause a short and a fire, or simply become "hot" or deliver a nasty shock. Aluminium trees can be illuminated by a colourful spotlight placed a safe distance from the tree, as set out in the manufacturer's instructions.

Decorations and Presents

Christmas wrapping paper and decorations can be highly combustible, and should be kept away from heat sources such as candles, lamps, heaters, fireplaces, and wood burning stoves. Gift wrap and boxes should be collected as soon as gifts are opened, and discarded with the garbage or recycled where appropriate.

Indoor Lights and Electrical Decorations

Use only those lights that have been tested and labelled by an approved testing laboratory. Examine light strings, cords, plugs and receptacles before using. Discard any that have frayed cords, cracks in the lamp holders, or loose connections. Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords. Follow instructions on cord labels regarding connecting light strings to extension cords. Never place furniture or other objects over electrical cords and in particular, never run electrical cords under a rug. With a rug covering a cord, any damage the cord may sustain can go unnoticed. Always unplug the light string before attempting to replace a bulb. Ensure the voltage and/or wattage marked on the light set is compatible with the replacement light. This is especially important with mini-lights as the come in different voltages. Avoid using timers on indoor lights. Tree lights could turn on when nobody is home and create a potential fire hazard. Always turn Christmas lights off before leaving home or going to sleep.

Outdoor Lighting

Use only those lights that have been tested and labelled by an approved testing laboratory and are marked for outdoor use. Turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working on outdoor wiring. Keep electrical connections off the ground and clear of metal objects. Use insulated tape, not metal nails or tacks, to hold strings of outdoor lights in place. Be careful not to tape the cords either over, under, or along metal eaves troughs. Run cords above ground, keeping them out of puddles and snow. Tape all plug connections with plastic electrical tape to make them as watertight as possible. To prevent moisture from entering bulb sockets, bulbs should face the ground. When using spotlights or flood lights to light your home or trees, ensure they are marked for outdoor use to withstand snow and rain. Indoor floodlights should never be used outdoors.

Candles

Never use lit candles as decorations on Christmas trees. Place candles in non-tip candle holders and ensure they are well away from the Christmas tree or other combustible materials. Never leave lit candles unattended and ensure that they are always out of the reach of children. Matches and lighters are tools, not toys. Store them high up where children can't reach them.

Fireplaces

Have your chimney inspected at least once a year and have it cleaned if necessary. Always use a fire screen and burn only material appropriate for fireplaces. Burn only wood - never burn paper or pine boughs in a fireplace as the burning particles can float up your chimney onto your roof or into your yard. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. Because ashes may rekindle, never store them in your home. Always remove ashes from your fireplace in a metal container.

Fire Safety in the Kitchen

Practice fire safety in the kitchen during the festive season. Don't leave cooking food unattended - oil or fat can ignite. If you are faced with a grease fire, remember to put a lid on it and turn the heat source off. Always turn pot handles to the back of the stove when cooking to avoid pots being pulled or knocked off.

Back to Top

Halloween Fire Safety

Costumes

Purchase Halloween costumes that are flame resistant. Avoid costumes with long trailing pieces that may easily ignite. When constructing a costume for children, always keep fire safety in mind.

Children should not carry candles as a light source or as part of a costume. Rather, provide your child with a flashlight that can safely light the way.

Educate children to stay clear of open flames and other heat sources. Ensure that children know how to perform STOP, DROP, and ROLL should their clothes catch on fire. STOP immediately, DROP to the ground, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.

Avoid decorating with candles or torch lights.

Ensure that combustible Halloween decorations such as crepe paper, cornstalks, and dried flowers are kept well away from sources of heat. Keep all exits clear of decorating materials.

Purchase and install working smoke alarms, and practice home escape plans. Ensure that all children in your home know the location of the exits, should an emergency situation arise.

Fireworks

Celebrate wisely this Halloween. Teach children that fireworks are not toys and that if they find fireworks, they should TELL an adult. It is unsafe for children to pick up fireworks and bring them to an adult.

The use of fireworks by untrained individuals may result in unnecessary injuries. Safely enjoy fireworks displays put on by trained individuals.

Back to Top

Preventing Burns In The Home

Kitchen Safety

Never leave cooking unattended. Big fires start small. If a fire starts on the stove, use a potholder or oven mitts and carefully slide a lid or cookie sheet onto the pot and turn the element off. Pot handles should always be turned to the back of the stove to prevent pots from being knocked off. Hot food or liquids should never be left near the edge of the counter or table where a child could pull them down. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing while cooking. It may ignite quickly. Always turn burners and the oven off when not in use. Use oven mitts or potholders when cooking.

Water Temperature

The thermostat on your water heater should be no more than 49 degrees Celsius. When running a bath, always turn the cold water on first and then add hot water until the temperature is comfortable. Never leave children unattended in the bathtub. Not even for a second. Note : a serious burn can occur in 30 seconds at 55 degrees Celsius. At 60 degrees, it only takes 5 seconds. With children under the age of 5 and some adults over 65, the time may be reduced by more than half.

Safety for Children

Check the temperature before putting your child into the bath tub. Add cool water if the water feels too hot. Teach children that familiar household items are sometimes hot and can cause a burn. Children need to have constant supervision during outdoor cookouts Hot irons should never be left unattended. Wall outlets should be covered with safety devices and damaged or frayed electrical cords should be replaced immediately. Children should not play near wood stoves, fireplaces and space heaters.

Tools, Not Toys

Children can be taught about matches, lighters, and fire. At a young age, it is important to teach them the proper functions of these tools. Teach children that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys for children to play with. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Store them up high where children cannot reach or see them, preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach children to tell a grown up when they find matches or lighters; older children should bring matches or lighters to an adult immediately.

Degree of Burns

Burns are classified by the amount of damage done to the skin and other body tissue. In order to properly treat a burn, it is important to identify its severity.

First-degree burns are minor and heal fast. Indications are reddened skin, tender and sore.
Second-degree burns are serious injuries and require immediate medical attention. Indications are blistered skin and pain.
Third-degree burns are severe injuries and require immediate professional medical treatment. Indications are white, brown, or charred tissue often surrounded by blistered areas. Little or no initial pain.

Cool a Burn

Immediately cool a burn by placing it under cool water for 10-15 minutes. Cool water reduces skin damage and minimizes the pain. Never use butter, lotions, ice, or ointments on a burn. This only seals the heat in. Don't break blisters, this may cause infection. Apply a clean, dry dressing to a first degree burn after cooling. Second and third degree burns require immediate medical treatment.

If your Clothes Catch Fire....

STOP immediately, don't run.

DROP to the ground or floor, covering your face with your hands.

ROLL over and over until the fire is out.

Back to Top

Fire Safety for Older Adults


Stop Fires Before They Start

Smoke Alarms:

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. For maximum protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and for battery operated smoke alarms, change the batteries at least once each year. If a "chirping" noise occurs, change the battery immediately.

Special smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired.

Safety in the Kitchen:

Never leave cooking unattended and set a timer to remind you to turn off burners and the oven. Wear tight fitting or rolled up sleeves while you cook. Always cook with the pot handles turned in. Keep the stove surface free of clutter and grease. If a grease fire occurs, use a pot holder or oven mitts and carefully slide a lid or cookie sheet over the pan and turn off the burner. Never carry a burning pan. Install and know how to use a portable fire extinguisher.

Smoker Alert:

Use large, deep, sturdy ashtrays. Thoroughly soak butts with water before discarding. Never smoke in bed or while lying down. Be careful smoking while on medication or drinking alcohol.

Space Heaters Need Space:

Keep at least one metre (three feet) between space heaters and everything else, including people. Clothes can ignite simply by brushing against a space heater.

Stop, Drop, and Roll:

If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the floor and cover your face with your hands, and ROLL over and over to put out the flames.

Cool a Burn:

Cool a burn for at least 10 - 15 minutes with cool water to relieve pain and minimize the burn injury Never apply salve, ice, or butter to a burn. This traps heat inside Seek medical attention if any burns char the skin, blister, look white, or become infected.


Plan Your Escape

Have Two Ways Out:

Know two ways out of every room in your home, especially the bedrooms. Smoke or flames may block one of your exits. Make sure you have a designated meeting place outside

Keep Exits in Good Repair:

Make sure you can unlock and open windows and any doors quickly, including those with deadbolts and security bars. If you're escaping from a second story or higher, plan a safe way to the ground.

Apartment Residents:

Count the number of doors between your apartment and the two nearest exits. During a fire, you may not be able to see the numbers on the doors. Never use the elevator. It could stop at the fire floor, or simply stop and trap you inside. Always use the exit stairways and close any doors behind you

Check the Door:

Kneel or crouch behind the door, reach up and feel the door, knob and frame. If the door feels cool, open it with caution. Put your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If safe, leave the building and go to your meeting place. If you see smoke or flames, slam the door shut, stuff the crack under the door with blankets or clothes and leave from your alternative exit.

Crawl Low Under the Smoke:

If you encounter smoke, craw low under the smoke where the air is cleaner.

Once Out, Stay Out:

Leave the building as soon as you can. Call 911 from a neighbour's home. Never go back inside for anything.

If Escape is Impossible:

Close doors between you and the smoke. Stuff the cracks around doors with sheets, towels, or clothing to keep the smoke out. If there's a phone in the room, call 911 with your exact location in the building Stay low and signal for help by waving a bright towel, sheet, or shine a flashlight from your window.

Back to Top

Apartment & High Rise Fire Safety

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Every resident should plan to be fire safe. Since most "high-rise" buildings are constructed of fire resistant materials and contain closed stairwells, fires are generally confined to individual rooms or apartments, furnishings, or possibly one floor.

Two or three storey wood frame buildings have either enclosed stairwells, or if an older building, external fire escapes. Enclosed stairwells have fire doors which must be kept closed at all times!

An apartment or high-rise fire is no cause for panic. If you plan ahead and practice fire drills, your chances of survival are greatly increased. Check with your landlord or building manager to ensure Fire Safety Plans including floor plans and evacuation procedures are posted and visible. Please take time to review and learn them.

What Causes Most Apartment Fires?
  • Cooking / kitchen fires
  • Heating equipment such as heaters, stoves, or space heaters.
  • Smoking is a major cause of fatal apartment fires.
How Important is Prevention?

VITAL - it is the best insurance against fire! Take these simple tips to prevent fires from starting:

  • Be careful with smoking materials. Use large, deep, non-tipping ashtrays and dispose the contents into an airtight metal container or soak the butts before discarding. Check furniture and cushions for dropped matches & cigarettes. Never smoke in bed, especially when under the influence of alcohol or medications.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Never leave cooking unattended. If a pan catches on fire, use a potholder or oven mitts and slide a lid or a cookie sheet over the flames and turn off the burner.
  • Keep space heaters at least 1 meter (3 ft) from combustibles.
  • Replace worn or damaged electrical cords. Do not overload electrical outlets. Use an approved power bar / electrical receptacle for additional electrical cords.
  • Do not store flammable liquids or compressed gases (ie gas & propane) in your home, car storage, or locker.
  • Do not use balconies for storage. This can block a means of escape, as well as become a target for arsonists.
How Will You Know if there is a Fire?
  • Your building should be equipped with smoke detectors and other fire alarm components.
  • Learn to recognize the sound of the fire alarm and leave the building immediately. Leave the building every time you hear the alarm, as fire may be present in any part of the building. Do not ignore the alarm.
  • It is recommended that every dwelling has a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For maximum protection, consider installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
  • Maintain your alarms, test them once a month, vacuum twice a year, and change the battery annually or when a "chirping" noise occurs. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
What is the Plan for my Building?
  • Floor plans and evacuation procedures should be posted on every floor. Take time to learn them.
  • Develop and practice your fire safety plan. Know the two quickest and safest ways out of your building.
  • Training and implementing a fire warden on each level of the building is recommended to ensure safe evacuation and ongoing safety programs. Have a fire drill at least once a year but practice your escape plans regularly. Coordinate practice drills with neighbours, fellow workers, the floor warden, and the building manager.
  • Assign someone to assist people with disabilities who may need assistance to evacuate safely.
  • Ensure everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds.
  • After exiting the building, go to a prearranged meeting place. Do not go back into the building for any reason.
How do I Escape from the Fire?
  • Check doors before opening them. Be sure to check a door by kneeling or crouching behind the door. Reach up high and touch the door, knob, and frame. If the door feels cool, open it with caution. Put your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. Slam the door shut if you see flames or smoke on the other side and use another escape route or stay in your apartment.
  • If unable to leave your apartment, protect yourself by placing towels, sheets, or clothes around the door and vents to keep smoke out. Call the Fire Department using 911 to notify them of your location. If there is no smoke outside a window, open it and signal for help by waving a bright towel, sheet, or flashlight. Never use elevators in a fire! Always use the exit stairways and close all doors behind you to slow the spread of fire.
  • If an announcement can be heard over your building's public address system, listen carefully and follow the directions.
  • If your escape route becomes smokey, crawl low under the smoke. Smoke rises, so the cleanest air is near the floor.
  • If your route becomes impassable due to smoke, heat, or fire, return to your suite or use an alternate escape route. Never go to the roof as you may become trapped with no means of escape or protection.
  • Get out and stay out. Go directly to your planned meeting place and stay there.
  • Call 911 once you have safely escaped the fire.

Back to Top