Fire Escape Planning At Work, At Home

Do you know what to do in case of fire? The right time to plan how to escape a fire is now - before it is too late. This information has been prepared so that, wherever you are, at work or at home, you will know how to get out alive.

Fire Escape Planning at Work

Evacuation plans and fire reporting procedures vary for each building. Usually an alarm signals all occupants to leave the building immediately, or to go temporarily to an "area of refuge". Plan NOW what to do… according to posted fire emergency instructions.

You must use your judgement when a fire occurs and know where the nearest extinguisher, the fire alarm station and the two closest exits are located, as well as who your floor fire emergency officer is. If you are trained to use available emergency fire equipment, do so if the fire is still small. But do not take risks or fight a fire alone. Your safety always comes first.

Mobility-impaired occupants who require assistance in evacuation are responsible for advising their MONITORS of the extent of the assistance required and should participate in "DRY-RUN" practices.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Where is the nearest fire extinguisher?
Where is the nearest fire alarm station
Where is the nearest two exits?
Who is the floor fire emergency officer?

If you don't know, find out now.

Read your fire orders.

Report all fire hazards.

Fire Escape Planning at Home

Instituting a home fire escape plan is one of the most important actions you can take to protect your own life and the lives of others. The Fire Department urges you to develop and practice a fire escape plan for your home.

How to Develop a Fire Escape Plan

Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and test them regularly.
Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room
Where possible, plan a main route and an alternate exit route from each room.
Make certain that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke detector, or hear someone shouting "FIRE", they should immediately evacuate the home.
Decide on a meeting place outside your home. In case of fire, go to the meeting place. Someone should be sent to phone the fire department.
Meet the firefighters when they arrive.
Ensure that everyone in your home knows NOT TO RE-ENTER A BURNING BUILDING. Firefighters are properly equipped and trained to perform rescue operations.

Additional Information

Before opening any door as you leave, feel it. If the door is hot - do not open - use an alternative exit. If windows in upper storey rooms cannot serve as alternative exits, open the window and shout for help.
A properly installed and maintained smoke detector should provide enough warning to enable you to safely leave your home, even if there is no alternate exit available.
In a smoke filled area the cool air is down low. Practice your escape plan by crawling on your hand and knees.
If you live in an apartment building, develop your escape plan taking into account fire escape procedures provided by the building management.
In a smoke-filled area, the cool air is closest to the ground. Practice your escape plan by crawling on your hands and knees.
If anyone in your home is unable to evacuate without assistance, assign someone to assist them.
Make sure your baby-sitter understands your fire escape plan.

Practice Your Escape Plan

Regular practice is the best way to help prevent PANIC. This is especially true for children. Be sure every family member knows what to do.

Common Causes of Fire

Smokers materials

cigarettes
matches
open flame, etc.

Electrical

fuses
loose connections
short circuits
overloaded circuits

Misuse of flammable liquids, greases oils and waxes

For further information or assistance, contact your nearest HRSD regional or district office.