Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service encourages citizens to create a home fire escape plant

Released: February 7, 2012 at 11:36 a.m.
Most home fires start between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. when people are asleep and least prepared. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is encouraging citizens to take the time to create a home fire escape plan. Adequate home fire escape plans help ensure everyone makes it out of the house safely.

WINNIPEG - February 7, 2012 - Most home fires start between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. when people are asleep and least prepared. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is encouraging citizens to take the time to create a home fire escape plan. Adequate home fire escape plans help ensure everyone makes it out of the house safely.

Most fires start in the living room, kitchen or basement; areas that are likely to block common escape routes.

Here are the steps to fire escape planning:

1. Basic Floor Layout Plan

  • Draw a floor plan of each floor in your home (dimensions and details need not be exact).
  • Add each bedroom and label it.
  • Locate windows, doors and stairways. If there are any upper floors, shade in any rooftops that could be used as a fire escape.

2. Conduct room inspections

  • Go to each bedroom and select the best window for an emergency escape.
  • Test the windows and screens to make sure they work easily and are large and low enough to use.

3. Complete escape plan

  • Draw black arrows to indicate normal exits through hallways or staircases.
  • Draw outline arrows to indicate emergency exits in case fire blocks normal exits.

Once your fire escape plan is complete, gather your family together for a short explanation of vital night time fire escape procedures.

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 the door before opening. 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.

Once everyone understands vital night time fire escape procedures, conduct a fire escape drill testing both normal exits and emergency escape routes.

The following video is designed to help teach fire safety and the importance of developing a fire escape plan: http://stayingalive1.com/game/game_play2.html

For more information on home fire safety, visit:
winnipeg.ca/fps/Public%20Info/Fire%20Safety%20Tips.stm

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