Have you developed a fire escape plan?

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

NOW is the time to develop a fire safety plan, be it at work or at home.

You’re sitting in your easy chair, watching TV and having a lemonade.  The kids are playing upstairs in their rooms.  Suddenly, the smoke detector goes off.  Do you know what to do?  Do the kids know what to do?

Or

You’re at your desk at work, checking emails from the weekend.  Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off.  Do you know the safest route out?

In either case, being unsure of what to do or where to go may cost valuable seconds, seconds that could mean being injured instead of being safe.  If there was a plan in place, and posted (if not practiced), this situation should have a favorable outcome, healthwise.

No one plans to have a fire at work nor at home.  But, you still need to be prepared in case it does happen.

At home, know the safest routes out from any room in the house.  Know the place safely outside where the family should meet.  And make sure the kids know the basics as well.

At work, if your business does not have a safety officer, you should take it upon yourself to know the quickest, safest routes outside.  If you are several floors up, know that the elevators should be avoided, and alternate routes have to be chosen.  Have a designated location where you and your coworkers can meet.

In case of a fire, getting out and safe should be your only priority.  Fighting the fire should only be done if it endangers you or someone you know is trapped.  No one needs to be a hero; leave the firefighting to the professionals.