Calgary, AB,
08
October
2013
|
10:36
America/Denver

Calgary Fire Department Encourages Making Home Escape Plan for Fire Prevention Week

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To commemorate Fire Prevention Week, the Calgary Fire Department is recommending that citizens develop a home escape plan to assist in a quick and safe exit of a home in the instance of a fire.

While the Calgary Fire Department encourages developing a home safety plan at any time of the year, Fire Prevention Week provides an opportunity to practice that escape plan, refresh a current plan or to create a new one.
 
“It can be frightening waking up to the sound of a smoke alarm in your house,” said Calgary Fire Department Public Information Officer Carol Henke.” In those first few moments it is common to be disoriented or confused, so having a home escape plan that you and your family know and have practiced can really make all the difference.”
 
A home escape plan includes the members of a household sitting down to review the layout of their house and determining two ways out of every room, typically through a door and a window, and selecting a location outside of the house as a safe meeting place.  Other important aspects of a home escape plan include: 
 
• Make sure you have properly installed and tested smoke alarms on all levels of the home and outside all sleeping areas.

• Ensure there are two-ways out identified for every sleeping area and that exits area accessible and can open easily in times of emergency (doors and windows).

• Have home escape ladders in every second and third story bedroom.

• If there are young children or other members of the house with limited mobility, assign a family member to assist them in getting out. Plans to assist pets should also be included in a home escape plan.

• Ensure your plan includes exiting the house safely before calling 9-1-1. Never go back in the home until fire crews say it is safe to do so. Get out and stay out.

• Practice your home escape plan twice a year.
 
“Having and practicing your home escape plan can save valuable time – it can save your life,” said Henke.
 
In 2012, the Calgary Fire Department responded to more than 1,800 fires, which resulted in 22 civilian injuries and five deaths.  Most fire deaths in Alberta happen in homes, especially at night when people are asleep.  In as little as three minutes, a small fire can erupt and toxic smoke can cause disorientation or unconsciousness, which is not a lot of time to locate all the residents of your home, identify an escape route and get out safely. 
 
The Calgary Fire Department is participating in Fire Prevention Week which runs from October 6 – 12, 2013.   Along with encouraging fire prevention, the Calgary Fire Department also encourages fire safety, during the week-long, North American campaign. 
 
Working to reduce the risk of injury, the Calgary Fire Department is committed to delivering fire safety outreach to Calgarians and encouraging citizen responsibility and safe practices.
 
 
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