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CLEAR THE WAY!
Blocked Exits Can Become Fire Traps
Our home are our sanctuaries, filled with the items that make us feel comfortable and safe.
But when furniture, boxes and other items block or clutter doors and windows, they become inadvertent
fire hazards that threaten or altogether eliminate occupants’ ability to escape a fire.
Every room you sleep in or spend time in should have two fire exits. This can be a door and a window.
But those exits need to be kept clear at all times because you never know when you will need to use them.
Keep your exits clear
Remove any interior key operated locks or padlocks on doors.
Check to see that all windows open and close easily. Remove any nails or paint that jam them shut.
If you have security bars on one or more windows make sure they have quick release devices that
everyone in your home knows how to use.
Remove all smaller items in and around windows, including potted plants, which can slow down
an escape.
If you have padlocks on your doors and windows, remove them so the door or window can be used
as an escape route.
When arranging furniture and other items, make sure that you’re not blocking doors or windows
with televisions, heavy dressers, tables, couches, toys, or even potted plants.
Christmas trees and other holiday decorations can light up a room – but don’t let them block your
escape route. Place trees and holiday decorations away from doors and windows that would be
used to escape.
Many Albertans insulate their windows with plastic membrane during the winter. Make sure
everyone in your family can easily remove the plastic in case of an emergency.
Plan an escape for everyone (Fire safety for disabled family members)
If you have family members or visitors who have a disability or special challenges, it’s important to
include them in your fire escape planning. They may have additional needs. If special assistance or
devices are required, they need to be identified and arranged for as part of the escape plan. Help increase
fire safety for everyone in your home by following the guidelines below.
Make sure the escape plan includes everyone in the household. If you or someone you live with
cannot escape alone, designate a member of the household to assist him or her. Have a backup plan
in case the designated is away at the time of the emergency.
Locate this person’s bedroom on the ground floor near an exit to make escape easier. Make sure
that smoke alarms are installed in or near any sleeping area and have a telephone or other
telecommunications devices installed there also. Consider having ramps constructed for emergency
exits.
Install a smoke alarm that uses a flashing strobe light or vibration along with the sound alarm if
any member of your household is hard of hearing.
Some smoke alarms are equipped with large, easy to push buttons. Alarms that can be tested using
a flashlight or television remote are particularly helpful for people with mobility challenges,
people who are blind, and for older adults.
Conduct regular fire drills to determine if everyone is able to hear and respond to smoke alarms. If
someone requires additional warning or uses a guide dog, incorporate that need into the fire escape
plan.
Post emergency telephone numbers and your address (including Rural Address) in central
locations. Keep a telephone or cell phone nearby so that communication with emergency personnel
is possible should a fire or smoke trap someone.
Regular or electric wheelchair users should consider having an extra manual wheelchair stored in a
garage or shed in case they need to be evacuated without their regular chair, particularly if it’s a
heavy motorize type.
Contact your local fire department or myself to assist you in reviewing emergency escape
procedures and discuss abilities and any challenges.
It’s too late to begin figuring out how you’ll escape once the smoke alarm sounds, particularly for
households where one or more persons have a disability. Planning and practicing are the keys to being
prepared in the event of a fire or other emergency that requires you to evacuate your home.
Remember that “Safety is an Attitude” and plan ahead and be prepared.
Keith R. Martin
Manager of Fire & Emergency Services
County of Newell
Rev. January 9, 2014