Safety officer urges families to plan for two ways out of a house fire

Local fire departments across Wellington County are encouraging families to practise home fire escape planning during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 to 13.

This year’s theme is “Have Two Ways Out.” It is important to have working smoke alarms and to develop and practise a home fire escape plan.

“In a fire, you may have only seconds to safely escape your home,” said Tom Mulvey, public safety officer with the Centre Wellington Fire Rescue Department. “Practise your home fire escape plan and make sure everyone can get out safely.”

Be prepared in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:

- Identify anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children or older adults

- Make sure that you have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Ensure, everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do

- Identify all possible exits  (doors and windows) and make sure they work. Know two ways out of all areas, if possible.

- Identify a safe meeting place outside

- Call the fire department from a neighbour’s home or a mobile phone

- Have everyone participate and make changes to your plan if necessary.