If your smoke detectors go off suddenly in the middle of the night, do you know how to react? To ensure your family has an effective emergency evacuation plan, follow the steps below.
Draw up an evacuation plan involving everyone in the house. Walk around your residence and locate all possible exits and routes. For each room, identify two accessible exits, such as a door and a window.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check them regularly. For detectors without a 10-year sealed battery, it is important to change the battery at least every six months. For maximum security, install photoelectric and ionization detectors inside or near every bedroom and on every floor of the house, including the basement.
Choose an outdoor assembly point, such as in front of a nearby residence, a lamppost or a mailbox located at a safe distance and in front of your home, where everyone can go after the evacuation.
It is recommended that the evacuation exercise be conducted at least twice a year, as realistically as possible. The aim is not to frighten children but to prepare them and adopt measures that can save lives.