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South Africans know that it’s vitally important to have security gates on every door and burglar bars on every window in their homes to keep intruders out, but when there's a fire, this precaution can turn your house into a death trap.
Make sure you and your family are safe by following these emergency fire escape safety tips from Trellidor.
1. Don’t fit fixed burglar bars to every window.
Install burglar proofing that can open on at least one window, preferably more, to use as an escape route in an emergency.
2. Select a ‘safe room’ that you can use in the event of a crisis.
The bathroom is a good option as there is running water, a toilet to use while you’re trapped, and it’s the place where people usually keep vital medicines such as asthma pumps.
You can also wet a towel and wrap it around you in the case of fire. Fit burglar proofing that opens to the window in this room so that you can get out if necessary.
3. Store your emergency exit window keys where you can find them in a hurry.
A hook next to the window is a good option. Don’t leave them in the lock because house robbers will use them if they break the window.
4. If you are in a high rise block or have a double story home, fit an emergency exit security gate to a veranda door in addition to those on your windows so that you have an alternative emergency fire escape route.
Again, keep spare keys where you can find them easily. If you have a security gate on your front door, keep spare keys on a hook next to the door.
5. Fit fire alarms in strategic areas around the home as well as panic buttons to press if you are woken by a fire or house robbers.
Even if you don’t have armed response, your neighbours will be alerted.
6. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on your cell phone and printed out and stuck up on the wall next to the landline.
7. Check systems such as automated doors, panic buttons, sensor beams and smoke alarms regularly to make sure that they are working because electricity fails and batteries need replacing.
A few more points to remember regarding a fire emergency exit:
Make sure your entire family knows where your fire escape is.
It’s essential to have a fire emergency exit escape plan and to practise it with your family. Take into account the needs of anyone in your home that is aged, frail or disabled.
If there is a fire in your home, get everyone out and stay out. Never go back inside.
In a high rise building, never use the lift as they are not fire proof. Rather use the stairs.
For more from Trellidor, visit their blog.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Make sure you and your family are safe by following these emergency fire escape safety tips from Trellidor.
1. Don’t fit fixed burglar bars to every window.
Install burglar proofing that can open on at least one window, preferably more, to use as an escape route in an emergency.
2. Select a ‘safe room’ that you can use in the event of a crisis.
The bathroom is a good option as there is running water, a toilet to use while you’re trapped, and it’s the place where people usually keep vital medicines such as asthma pumps.
You can also wet a towel and wrap it around you in the case of fire. Fit burglar proofing that opens to the window in this room so that you can get out if necessary.
3. Store your emergency exit window keys where you can find them in a hurry.
A hook next to the window is a good option. Don’t leave them in the lock because house robbers will use them if they break the window.
4. If you are in a high rise block or have a double story home, fit an emergency exit security gate to a veranda door in addition to those on your windows so that you have an alternative emergency fire escape route.
Again, keep spare keys where you can find them easily. If you have a security gate on your front door, keep spare keys on a hook next to the door.
5. Fit fire alarms in strategic areas around the home as well as panic buttons to press if you are woken by a fire or house robbers.
Even if you don’t have armed response, your neighbours will be alerted.
6. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on your cell phone and printed out and stuck up on the wall next to the landline.
7. Check systems such as automated doors, panic buttons, sensor beams and smoke alarms regularly to make sure that they are working because electricity fails and batteries need replacing.
A few more points to remember regarding a fire emergency exit:
Make sure your entire family knows where your fire escape is.
It’s essential to have a fire emergency exit escape plan and to practise it with your family. Take into account the needs of anyone in your home that is aged, frail or disabled.
If there is a fire in your home, get everyone out and stay out. Never go back inside.
In a high rise building, never use the lift as they are not fire proof. Rather use the stairs.
For more from Trellidor, visit their blog.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
