CLARINGTON -- Looking for something to do at home on Family Day?
Fire Chief Gord Weir urges families in Clarington to practice their home escape plan, as part of family day Feb. 15.
Last year, 101 people died in fires across Ontario.
"Most fatal fires occur at night when everyone is asleep, so that is why it is so important for everyone to know what to do when the smoke alarms sound," Chief Weir said. "Everyone should know what to do and where to go to get out safely."
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services recommends the following:
- Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside sleeping areas, as the law requires. For best protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
- Develop a home fire escape plan and discuss it with the entire family.
- Show everyone two ways out of each room, if possible.
- Check that all exits are unobstructed and easy to use.
- Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone else who may need assistance.
- Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
- If caught in smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest safe exit.
- Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or a neighbour's house.
- Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
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