The Game

Battalion Chief Clark Allred

By-Weekly Fire Prevention Post

We have talked about fire escape plans, but it's not enough to just talk about them, YOU MUST PRACTICE THEM. 

THE GAME

Let's make a fun game out of practicing your fire escape plan.

Setting up the game.

 Find a good meeting place outside.  

Here are some suggestions for meeting places: Neighbor's Driveway, Fence, Mailbox, or tree. 
Your family will have to decide on the best meeting place.

 

Go to each room and find the two ways out.
Those two ways out are the DOOR and WINDOW.

For windows make sure that:

• there is nothing in front of the window, such as shelves, dresser, bed, or toy-box.
• all household members can open the window. 
• it's not painted shut, nailed shut, or stuck closed.
• make sure there is nothing dangerous under the window outside, such as an air conditioner, wood box, dog house, or trash.

If you have stairs in your home remember to crawl down backwards.

If  you crawl down forward, you may slip and injure yourself.

Find the EXIT out of your home.

Practice (Pretend) calling 911.

Everyone should know how to call and what to say.   Does EVERYONE know the Two Parts of Your Address?

  IT'S YOUR HOUSE NUMBER AND STREET NAME

Now that you have everything in place, draw out your fire escape plan so EVERYONE knows what to do.

Start the GAME.

Do this drill during the day

Do this drill during the night with all the lights off

• Everyone goes to their rooms and gets on their bed.

• Dad or mom pushes the test button on smoke alarm.

• REMEMBER smoke is in the house, so we GET LOW AND GO.

• Crawl to door and check it. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. IF IT'S HOT YOU CAN'T USE IT!

• Everyone (including adults) crawls to the exit.
• Everyone goes to the meeting place.

• The designated person needs to make sure everyone is at the meeting place.
• Now it's time to practice calling 911.

Practice your Fire Drill again, but this time go to the window instead of the door. 

WHAT PLANS HAVE YOU PUT IN-PLACE IF YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE WINDOW INSTEAD OF THE DOOR?
Are you going to climb out? Don't do it, but pretend.
Do you have a window ladder? Practice using it with and adult.
Practice waving a sheet or pillow case.

A lot of fires happen at night when we are asleep. The house can be very dark and full of smoke. This can be very scary, EVEN FOR ADULTS. 

So make sure you practice this drill at night. 

There is a lot to a good, safe fire escape plan. 
If you have questions make sure you call your local fire department. They will be happy yo help you with all your fire prevention questions.