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Dysart fire chief advising public to practice fire escape plans

The Dysart Fire Department is reminding the public that once you have escaped from a burning building, you should not re-enter for any reason. After a man died in an Ottawa fire last week because he returned to a burning building, fire chief Miles Maughan is making sure the message is clear. He’s reminding residents to practice home fire escape plans to make sure everyone in the house knows what to do.

Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:

  • 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.

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.

Information courtesy of the Dysart Fire Department.

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