Hot Dog Reminds You to Review Your Escape Plan

Hi Friends, it’s Hot Dog here.  There is a chill in the air and with cooler weather there actually could come an increase in fires.

There are many reasons why this happens.  People are using more heating sources.  According to the National Fire Protection Agency, the second leading cause of fires is through portable heating  sources  like  space heaters or gas stoves.  It is extremely important to practice your knowledge of fire safety in cooler months.  You can read more on that here.

It is also critical to practice what to do in the event of a fire.  First and foremost, it is important to make sure to have working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.

You should also talk to loved ones about an escape plan and practice it in the event of a fire.

Knowing if a structure is fire proof or non-fire proof will help you determine if you should stay or go..  If you aren’t sure, check with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).   Remember if you are in immediate danger, the safest thing to do is to get out immediately and call 911.  Be sure to listen to the instruction of the Fire Department. Once you figure out if you live in a non-fire proof or fire proof building, you should come up with an escape plan that will keep you family safe.

 Plan and Practice

When coming up with an escape plan, the first thing you should do is to inspect all possible exits.  When you find them, be sure they are free and clear of clutter and storage.  Consider drawing a floor plan of your home and mapping two ways out for each sleeping area. If you live in an apartment building with three or more units, review its fire safety plan.  Read more on tips to coming up with an escape route here.

When it is time to practice your escape route, make sure to make the drill as realistic as possible.  It is a good idea to start the drill in a sleeping area and darken the house as if it is smoke filled.  The best thing to do is to begin the drill with the sound of the alarm, practice escaping through smoke by crawling low on hands and knees. Make sure to follow the plan all the way through to your assigned meeting place outside your home.

Having a plan and practicing it are sure ways to ensure you stay #FDNYSmart!  You can find more safety tips here.  And don’t forget to follow Siren and Hot Dog on Twitter!