Brazos Landing

Escape a Fire - Have a Plan

Escape a Fire - Have a Plan

The Sugar Land Fire Department advises you can safely escape a fire if
you have a plan and practice it with your whole family.

"Fires create heat, smoke and darkness," said Captain Mike McLemore,
public education specialist. "When a fire erupts, there isn't time to
think. If you aren't properly prepared to immediately exit your home,
you may lose your life."

McLemore advises citizens to create an escape plan and physically walk
the plan with all the occupants of their home. "Look for sticky
windows, locked doors that require keys and other items that could slow
your evacuation," said McLemore. "Sometimes making a simple home
adjustment can save your life."

McLemore recommends a spare key be placed on a nail (low on the wall and
out of sight from the exterior) on a baseboard for use when occupants
are crawling under smoke. "The key will allow your family to exit the
locked door that otherwise couldn't be opened in an emergency," added
McLemore.

McLemore does not recommend spending time getting dressed or trying to
gather valuables. "Everyone should know two ways out of each room and
know where to meet outside. Family members should understand getting
out of the house is their first priority," said McLemore. "And
remember, once you are outside, stay out."

Once outside, call 9-1-1 from a cordless, cell or neighbor's telephone.

The following tips are provided for hotel stays:
*When making reservations, inquire about the hotel's fire detection and
protection systems. Ask if the building has a fire sprinkler system and
a working fire alarm system.
*Ensure each room has a smoke alarm.
*Request a ground floor room.
*If you have any physical challenges, make sure the hotel is able to
accommodate your needs. For instance, if you have difficulty hearing,
request a room with a siren strobe that can wake you in the event of an
alarm. Many people who have hearing devices, don't wear them at night
and might not hear a standard smoke alarm.
*When arriving to your room, review the evacuation route posted on the
back of the door. Then check to see if it's correct. The plan should
take you to the closest exit from your room. It's a good idea to count
the doors to your exit in case your visibility is impaired by smoke
conditions.
*Always take a flashlight with fresh batteries. If trapped on an upper
floor, the flashlight will indicate to fire personnel where you are
trapped.
*Any time you hear the fire alarm, exit the building immediately even if
others are not exiting.
*Remember crawl under smoke and hot gases.

For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact
Captain Mike McLemore at 281-275-2859.