Keeping Vaughan’s most vulnerable safe in an emergency
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Vaughan Fire and Rescue
Service is reminding everyone of the importance of having a home escape plan
Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. It is important
that you and everyone in your household are prepared. This includes members of
the community who may need extra assistance in the event of a fire.
Did you know Vaughan
Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) offers a free voluntary Vulnerable Persons
Registry?
If someone in your household is elderly or has a medical, mental health or
physical condition that would require help getting to safety, fill out the form
to get them added to the list. First responders reference the registry during
an emergency, so they know to provide special assistance to those who need it.
Be sure to update this information annually to inform VFRS if that person no
longer resides at the location on record.
Keeping fire safety top
of mind is important, and the best way to do that is by creating and practising
a home escape plan (PDF). It is Fire Prevention Week, and the theme this
year is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” The week works to educate the
community about the importance of having and practising a fire escape plan so
everyone knows what to do in an emergency. This can help prepare your family
for the worst-case scenario.
Here’s how:
- Draw your home’s floor plan, including all doors, windows and stairs for each level, and note any features that could help you escape, such as a garage or a balcony.
- Mark at least two escape routes from each room so if the door is blocked, you know another way out.
- Make sure everyone in your home knows where to meet outside – for example, a street sign or a mailbox – to call 911 and wait while the fire department arrives. A meeting place will allow you to count everyone and inform firefighters if anybody is still inside. Never go back into a burning building.
For more information
and fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire and watch the City’s video on how to make a home escape plan.
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