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6.3 Household Fire Safety Audit
Most fires occur in the home. To minimize this danger, a household fire
safety audit should be conducted and a fire escape plan should be
developed and practised.
1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check
for frayed cords, overloaded lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain
about the condition of your electrical appliances or household service,
have a professional evaluate these units.
2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well
ventilated cool area? Cleaning with flammable liquids should be
avoided.
3. Are fire hazardous materials (matches) well out of reach of children?
4. Are furnaces and wood burning appliances properly installed, clean
and in good working order? Have a professional evaluate these
appliances.
6.4 Fire Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time
it becomes deadly. It is thus very important that a fire escape plan be
developed and rehearsed.
1. Every person who occupies the building should participate in
developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the
premises. In residential applications, special attention should be given
to the escape routes from sleeping quarters since many fires occur at
night. Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the
interior door.
Consider the following when making escape plans:
• Make sure that all perimeter doors and windows are easily opened.
Ensure that they are not painted shut, and that their locking
mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or
handicapped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes
making sure that those who are to perform the rescue can promptly
hear the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope
should be provided as well as training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove
snow from exterior doors in winter; outdoor furniture or equipment
should not block exits.
• Each person should know of a predetermined assembly point where
everyone can be accounted for i.e.: across the street or at a neighboring
building. Once everyone is out of the building, call the fire
department.
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