Having Two Ways Out and a Fresh Battery Can Save Lives

If you wake up to a fire in your home, do you know how you are going to get out?

During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13, people are urged to plan two ways out of their house.

"Keeping Nova Scotians safe is a priority and supporting Fire Prevention Week is one of the ways to help protect people and their families," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

"Fire is unpredictable and can move a lot faster than some people think. That's why it is so important to have a tried and true escape plan with two ways out to help ensure everyone's safety if a fire break out in a home."

Tips for planning your escape route include:

• making a map of the home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
• choosing a meeting place outside in front of the home where everyone can meet after they've left. Draw a picture of outside meeting place an escape plan.
• writing the emergency telephone number for the fire department on the escape plan.
• sounding the smoke alarm and practice the escape plan with everyone living in the home.
• keeping an escape plan on the refrigerator and practicing the plan twice a year, or whenever someone in the home celebrates a birthday.

Along with two ways out in case of fire, Nova Scotians should check their smoke alarms to ensure they are properly installed and maintained.

"Too often we see tragic incidents with serious injuries, or even deaths, that smoke detectors could prevent," said Ms. More. "They can give people the early warning they need to get themselves, and their family, out safely. However, to make sure they are working when they are needed, people must maintain them and ensure they are installed properly."

People should test their smoke alarms frequently, following the manufacturer's instructions. They should replace batteries once a year, vacuum and clean the exterior throughout the year and test that the power supply is connected by sounding the alarm.

Alarms that do not sound need to be replaced.

Fire Safety Week is recognized across Canada. This year's theme is Have Two Ways Out!

For more information on fire safety, visit gov.ns.ca/lwd/safety.asp.