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What to do if the alarm sounds
- Leave immediately, following your family’s escape plan.
- As you leave, don’t open any inside doors without first feeling the surface. If a door is hot, or you see smoke coming through the cracks, do not open the door. Use an alternative exit.
- If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
- If the air is smoky, stay as close to the floor as possible.
- Breathe shallowly through a cloth, which if possible, should be wet.
- Once outside, go to your pre-selected assembly area and make sure everyone else is there.
- Call the Fire Department from a neighbour’s home – never from your own.
- Do not return to your home until fire officials give you permission to do so.
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Developing an escape plan
Have an escape plan. In the event a fire does break out in your home, every member of the family should be prepared and know exactly what to do. Practise crawling low under smoke, checking doors before opening, and make sure everyone knows at least two ways out of the home. Decide on a place to meet after escaping.
Consult your fully trained local electrician for professional advice about all aspects of selection, location and installation of smoke alarm products.
More information about fire safety is also available from your local metropolitan or country fire service.
Here are some suggestions for developing your escape plan:
- Make a floor plan which clearly indicates all doors and windows in your home and at least two escape routes from each room. Multi-storey dwellings require special attention. For instance, upper storey windows may need a chain ladder or other fire stairway as a means of exit.
- Determine a place outside your home (e.g. the letter box or front fence) where all family members can assemble if a fire occurs.
- Discuss your escape plan with all members of your family. Show everyone, particularly young children, what to do in case of a fire.
- Make sure all family members are familiar with the sound of the detector.
- Sound the alarm at least every six months and practice your family’s fire drill.
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