Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Fire escape plan can help save lives

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 02/7/2012 11:58 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

If a fire breaks out in your home during the night, do you have an escape plan?

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says you should.

The service notes that most home fires start between midnight and 6 a.m. when people are asleep and least prepared. Fire escape plans can help save lives, it says.

A fire escape plan should identify escape routes from each room. Once you have completed it, make sure everybody understands it, the service says.

Here are some tips:

• Always sleep with the bedroom or hall door closed. It can keep out fire long enough to allow escape through emergency exit routes.

• Always have working smoke alarms installed in hallways outside bedrooms. Replace smoke alarm batteries every year.

• Don’t waste time getting dressed or gathering valuables. Every second counts in a fire.

• Test a door before opening it. Intense heat and deadly smoke can be on the other side.

• Have an outside meeting place to quickly check if everyone is safe.

• Once out, stay out!

• Plan to use a neighbour’s phone to call 911.

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.