Fire Chief Rick Richardson is urging families in the Township of Mapleton to practice their home fire escape plan as part of Fire Prevention Week.
The theme for the week, which runs from Oct. 8 to 14, is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”
“Fire and smoke move faster than you,” said Richardson.
“There’s no time to figure out how to escape your home after a fire starts. Practice an escape plan before there’s a fire so you can get out safely.”
In a fire, you may have just seconds to safely escape your home. Fire officials urge citizens to be prepared in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:
– assess the needs of everyone in the home and identify anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children or older adults;
– make sure that there are working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm;
– identify all possible exits (doors and windows) and make sure they work.
Know two ways out of all areas, if possible;
– ensure everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Assign someone to help those who need assistance. Identify a safe meeting place outside. Call the fire department from outside the home – from a neighbour’s home or a cell phone; and
– practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year. Have everyone participate. Make changes to the plan if necessary.
