In a fire, seconds count and how you use those precious moments can mean the difference between escaping safely or having lives end in tragedy.
This year, the theme of Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 8 to 14, is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”
For the Township of Langley Fire Department, it is an opportunity to reinforce the need for all residents to have and practise an escape plan.
It only takes a few moments every few months to review, and having a plan and knowing exactly what to do in an emergency could save your family’s lives.
“If a fire starts in your home, you may only have a few minutes to get out, once the smoke alarm sounds,” said Krista Barton, Public Fire and Life Safety Educator.
“Flames double in size every 30 seconds, and if the smoke alarm wakes you from sleep, you will likely be groggy and disoriented. Being prepared, having a plan in place, and knowing what to do and where to go could mean the difference between life and death.”
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To make a home escape plan, start by making sure all the doors and windows leading outside open easily. Draw a map of your home, showing all the doors and windows.
If possible, find at least two ways out of every room.
Discuss the plan with everyone in your home and identify an outside meeting place, such as a tree, light pole, or mailbox that is located a safe distance from the home. If a fire occurs, close the doors behind you as you leave and call 911 from outside.
Rehearse the escape plan twice a year by holding a home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home. Practice using different ways out and show children how to escape on their own, in case adults can’t help them.
“Make sure you walk through the escape plan with kids and reassure them,” Barton said. “Practicing with children will help them remember and learn. The experience will stay with them, so they are less frightened if a real emergency strikes.”
She added that giving children responsibilities and challenging them with activities, such as drawing a map of the home or picking the meeting place, will make them feel better, as they are helping to ensure everyone is safe.
“Always remember, if the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out,” Barton said. “Never go back inside for people or pets. And if you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the way out.”
“It is easy to think, “It won’t happen to me’,” she added, “but if a fire should happen, planning and preparation can pay off by saving lives.”
For more information, visit tol.ca/firesafety or call the Township of Langley Fire Department at 604-532-7500.
