There are 3 P’s in Fire Safety – Prevent, Plan and Practice. Prevention means do all you can to ensure the fire doesn’t start in the first place. Plan means create an action template of the steps that should be taken. Practice means a rehearsal of your prevention and planning efforts to ensure it is easily remembered.

So, do you have a fire escape plan at home? Depending on where you work, you most likely have a plan in the workplace but the home is usually neglected. A fire escape plan is important because it helps you know what to do in a fire emergency. This plan must always be communicated to everyone in the home including children and visitors to ensure overall safety.

What should the fire escape plan entail?
1) A floor plan of the house marking two exits from each room
2) Consideration for infants, special needs and the elderly
3) The meeting spot after leaving the house
4) The emergency number to be called

How many times should a family rehearse the escape plan?

A minimum of 2 times a year.

How much time do you have in a fire situation?
You have two minutes to get out of the building.

What should you do when you notice a fire?
1) If you cannot fight the fire, you must GET OUT, STAY OUT and call for HELP
2) If you are trained to fight the fire, have the right equipment and the fire is within your scope, fight the fire
3) If you are trained to fight the fire, have the right equipment but the fire is outside your scope or you are not mentally ready for it, GET OUT and call for HELP

Finally, always ensure you have the right firefighting equipment, ensure it is serviceable (not expired and working) and know how to use it.