Home Safety

Planning for
HOME FIRE EMERGENCIES

Home Fire Facts:*

• Each year there are more than 700,000 homes fires nationally.

• Residential fires claim 6,000 lives throughout the U.S. annually.

• Michigan records over 200 fire deaths each year.

• Children under age 12 account for more than 20% of the fire casualties in Michigan annually.

* AAA Michigan, Community Safety Services

EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME (EDITH)

Develop a fire escape plan and conduct evacuation drills in the home. When fire detection warning devices activate, there are less than four minutes to escape. Practice EDITH on a regular basis.

• An effective escape plan depends on careful preparation, proper placement of smoke detectors and regular drills.

• Make a drawing or floor plan of the home showing the normal exits (doors) and all emergency exits (windows) that would be used in case of fire. Include stairways, porches and roofs.

• There should be two avenues of escape from each room. A window can be used for escape if the door can't be used because of smoke, heat or gases. If a window is high above the ground, you may need to buy a special fire escape ladder. Make sure windows will open (not painted shut, stuck, etc.).

• Methods should be developed to alert the family of impending danger. They include smoke alarms, whistling, shouting, and pounding on the walls. Take special precautions for children and others requiring assistance.

• Sleep with bedroom doors closed. Doors keep out deadly smoke, heat and gases, and increase the available time to escape.

• Designate a safe meeting place after exiting the building. No family members should ever go back into the burning structure.

• Use a neighbor's phone to call the fire department.

• Hold exit drills every six months. They are often discussed but seldom practiced.
  In a fire, seconds count.

• Exit drills should include use of the primary escape route and meeting at the designated area outdoors.

TRAPPED - EMERGENCY PLANNING

Rational thinking and calm action are the keys to a safe escape.

• If smoke is present, crawl to the door and keep as close to the floor as possible. If necessary, hold your breath and close your eyes.

• Feel the door. If it is hot, do not open it. Before opening the door, face away from it, brace yourself and open it slowly. If there is heat and smoke, seal off cracks around doors and vents with cloth or rugs, soaked in water if possible.

• Shut off fans and air conditioners if possible.

• Signal for help at a window with a sheet or other light-colored article. Make sure the door is closed before opening a window.

• Never panic by running. If clothes catch fire, immediately STOP, DROP and ROLL.

SPECIAL PLANNING FOR CHILDREN, ELDERLY & DISABLED

Children

• Youngsters under age 12 account for over 20% of Michigan's fire casualties annually and should be given special instructions to avoid fire dangers.

• Practice drills should always be supervised by an adult. Do not take unnecessary chances.

• Emphasize the importance of children escaping on their own and the danger of trying to hide from a fire. Stress getting out fast and staying out.

• Teach children how to phone the local fire department.

• Arrange for infants and children to sleep in a bedroom next to parents or older youngsters.

• Teach children to stop, drop and roll and cover their face with hands if clothes catch fire.

Elderly

• Arrange sleeping arrangements on a ground floor if possible. Otherwise, develop a second-floor escape plan.

• Install a smoke detector and telephone in or near the bedroom.

Disabled

• Hearing impaired - visual signaling systems can aid persons unable to hear the alarm.

• Visually impaired - a whistle or shout helps if someone gets lost during evacuation.

• Mentally impaired - arrange sleeping area near someone who can help. Frequently review EDITH procedures.

• Physically impaired - a specially designed escape route may be necessary.

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