Fire Safety

Sunday, 24 August 2014 07:10

Fire Prevention Officer Jeff Slager says a home must have a smoke detector on every floor. That could make the difference between life and death.

WOODSTOCK -- "Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building."

In the wake of a fatal fire in Ottawa on August 13th, where an individual perished in a fire trying to rescue a pet, Woodstock Fire is reminding residents of not only this but the importance of having working smoke alarms and a home fire escape.

Fire Prevention Officer Jeff Slager says "with smoke detectors the law is that it's one per floor for any existing homes, underneath the Fire Code. Now, as we've mentioned before in some situations, for new homes that are being built, after January 1, 2014 they're required to have a working smoke alarm in each bedroom in addition to one on each floor level."

It's also suggested that in larger homes, additional smoke alarms be installed to cover more areas of the house.

As for home fire escapes, Woodstock Fire are offering these simple steps:

-Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
-All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
-If someone in your home has a disability, develop an escape plan with your household that takes into account their unique needs. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone who needs assistance to escape.
-Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
-Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home.
-Practice your home fire escape plan.
-Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.

For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:

-Make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance.
-Make sure your name is added to the persons who require assistance list in the fire safety plan, so the fire department knows which apartment you are in.
-Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building’s fire safety plan.

"With residential apartments that have more than 10 people in them, they are required by law to have a fire safety plan in place for the entire building. Within that, that's a document that is not only for the managers and that of the building but it's also for the fire department and it will maintain a list of those who might need assistance. So those that might not be able to climb down 11 flights of stairs to be able to get out of a building."

If a fire occurs in your home and you are unable to escape:
-Close the door of the room you are in and cover vents and cracks around the door with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.
-Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Tell them where you are, then signal for help at the window with a light-coloured cloth or a flashlight.

Slager points out that entering a burning structure is the job of the fire department who have the proper gear and equipment to do so.