Plan your escape and you could save your life

(NC)-According to the Association of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, thousands of home fires cause over a billion dollars worth of property damage every year. Hundreds of Canadians die and thousands more are injured in fires. Many of those deaths and injuries could have been prevented if only people understood fire better.

Review fire safety facts with your family and develop a fire escape plan together. "Preparing and practising a home fire escape plan is one of the most important things you can do to protect your own life and the lives of others," says Raffi Nersesian of Kidde Safety Canada. "Once you understand the true nature and perils of fire, you'll realize that your best defense is to have an action plan in case of emergency."

In a fire, time is your biggest enemy. Remember that every second counts and don't waste time. Escape first! If you kill time getting dressed or gathering valuables, fire can kill you.

Nersesian says that the key to fire safety is prevention; however, should a fire occur, a sound strategy is needed. This includes early detection and warning that allow for escape according to a plan that is developed and practised ahead of time.

"The primary fire safety strategy for any home is to warn the occupants early, at the first sign of fire. The best way of doing this is to install an adequate number of smoke alarms and ensure that they're functioning properly." Nersesian recommends that you install both ionization and the newer photoelectric sensor type alarms on every level of the home, as well as in bedrooms where occupants sleep with the door closed. The majority of deaths in residential fires occur between midnight and 4am, when most people are asleep. "Make sure that the alarms are no more than 10 years old and are maintained with fresh batteries," he adds.

When you're awakened to a fire, your thinking may be confused by the smoke or even by panic. That's why it's so important to develop an escape plan ahead of time. "Be sure that the whole family understands the plan, then have drills and practise it together so that, in the event of an actual fire, everyone will automatically know exactly what to do," advises Nersesian.

Be sure that your escape plan takes a few facts into account, such as:

Always test doors for heat before opening them. Intense heat and deadly smoke could be on the other side, just waiting to rush in when you open the door.

Smoke will blind you in a real fire, so practise feeling your way out of the house with your eyes closed.

Heat and poisonous gases rise, so never stand up in a fire. Always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.

"Make sure that everyone in your family knows two different ways to escape from every room. If necessary, install a compact emergency escape ladder in rooms on upper floors," says Nersesian.

While getting out is important, your escape plan must also include what to do once you're out of the home. "Never return to a burning building for any reason," Nersesian cautions. "It may cost you your life. Designate a meeting place outside the home and take a head count. Plan to use a neighbour's phone to dial 911 or your local emergency service."

For more information on fire escape plans, tips on protection and prevention, visit: www.SafeAtHome.ca.