16 Locating Smoke and CO Detectors
48
16.2 Fire Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it becomes deadly. It is thus very important that a
family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.
1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since many fires occur at night, special
attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3. Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior door.
Consider the following when making your escape plans:
• Make sure that all border doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that they are not painted shut, and that their
locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or handicapped, plans for rescue should be devel-
oped. This includes making sure that those who are to perform the rescue can promptly hear the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided as well as training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from exterior patio doors in winter; outdoor
furniture or equipment should not block exits.
• Each person should know the predetermined assembly point where everyone can be accounted for (e.g., across the
street or at a neighbor's house). Once everyone is out of the building, call the fire department.
• A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate or attempt to fight the fire, and do not gather belongings as
this can waste valuable time. Once outside, do not re-enter the house. Wait for the fire department.
• Write the fire escape plan down and rehearse it frequently so that should an emergency arise, everyone will know
what to do. Revise the plan as conditions change, such as the number of people in the home, or if there are changes
to the building’s construction.
• Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly tests. If you are unsure about system oper-
ation, contact your installer.
We recommend that you contact your local fire department and request further information on fire safety and escape
planning. If available, have your local fire prevention officer conduct an in-house fire safety inspection.
16.3 Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and very toxic, it also moves
freely in the air. CO detectors can measure the concentration and sound a loud
alarm before a potentially harmful level is reached. The human body is most
vulnerable to the effects of CO gas during sleeping hours; therefore, CO detectors
should be located in or as near as possible to sleeping areas of the home. For
maximum protection, a CO alarm should be located outside primary sleeping areas
or on each level of your home. Figure 5 indicates the suggested locations in the
home.
Do NOT place the CO alarm in the following areas:
• Where the temperature may drop below -10ºC or exceed 40ºC
• Near paint thinner fumes
• Within 5 feet (1.5m) of open flame appliances such as furnaces, stoves and fireplaces
• In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys
• Do not place in close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the detector
PLEASE REFER TO THE CO DETECTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
GROUN D
FLOOR
BASEMENT
KITC HEN
GARAG E
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
CARBON M ONO XIDE DE TECTOR
Figure 5
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