1 Plan escape routes
2Plan meeting point
3Practice your plan
1 Choose alarms
2Install
3Test regularly
HOME SAFETY
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MAKING A FAMILY EVACUATION PLAN
1 Plan escape routes
• Decide on the best route for escape – this should be the usual way in and out of your home.
• Plan an alternative route to use if the normal way is blocked.
• If doors or windows need to be unlocked to escape, make sure that everyone knows where to find the appropriate keys. Ensure that the doors and windows open easily.
2Plan meeting point
• Decide on a safe assembly point outside the home where everyone can meet following an evacuation.
• Make sure that the whole family is aware of how to escape and where to meet after evacuation.
3Practice your plan
• Walk through the escape routes with family members so that everyone knows what to do.
• Practice these escape routes on a regular basis, especially after making changes in your home.
• Wear blindfolds during one practice, to simulate dark and smoky conditions, but be careful with young children and the elderly.
! Important
• Keep all escape routes free of furniture and clutter.
• If you have overnight guests, tell them about your evacuation plan so that they will know
what to do in the event of a fire.
INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS
1 Choose alarms
• Buy battery-operated or electrical smoke alarms and take care to choose a reliable brand.
• For added safety, choose linked alarms, which set each other off when smoke is detected.
2Install
• Attach alarms securely to the ceiling at least 12 in( 30 cm) away from any wall or light fixture.
• If your home is on one level, put a smoke alarm in the hall; if it has more than one story, install one at the bottom of the stairs and another on each landing.
3Test regularly
• Check once a month by pressing the test button. Change the battery in each alarm every 6 months.
• Vacuum the inside of each regularly to keep the sensor chamber free of dust.
INSTALLING CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
• Install one or two carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas and in any room with a
boiler or a gas fire; these alarms emit a loud noise when they detect the gas.
• Place carbon monoxide detectors next to boilers and gas fires; these detectors
change color if carbon monoxide is present.