Important
In case of emergency call 911
Residential fires account for the majority of fire-related injuries in British Columbia. Did you know the fire doubles in size every 30 seconds, and fill an average-sized room with deadly fumes within 20-45 seconds and consume an average-sized room within three minutes?
Statistics show families that practice fire drills at home have a much higher chance of surviving a dwelling fire. With your family, make a plan for escaping a fire. The Prepare Yourself Safety Worksheet [PDF/416KB] provides simple, life-saving steps.
How to Prepare
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home; maintain smoke alarms by testing and changing the batteries twice a year.
- Draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room - especially sleeping areas.
- Discuss escape routes with every member of your household.
- Make sure everyone can unlock windows and doors quickly (even in the dark).
- Test your fire alarm and make sure everyone recognizes the sound of the alarm and knows how to react.
- Agree on an assembly point outside of your home where every member of your household will gather after escaping a fire.
- Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
