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Fires start in many ways. The simple flick of a cigarette into a dry, brushy area can start a forest fire. A faulty electrical device can spark, then explode into an uncontrollable flame. A devastating fire can destroy not only possessions but lives if caught unprepared. Create an emergency escape plan so the whole family knows how to react in case of a deadly fire.
Start Inside the Home
List all the rooms in the house. It helps to draw a general layout of the home. You don’t need to be an artist to do this. Just start with each room. Make a priority list of the rooms. Figure out where people spend the most time and draw and list those rooms first. Then, list all the exits in each room, including windows.
Develop a fire escape plan for each room. Practice the escape plan frequently. Try to practice at different times so children won’t think fires only happen at night or during the weekend. Make sure older kids know how to help get their younger siblings safely out of the house.
Make copies of the fire escape plan and laminate them so they will last longer. Give each person in the household a copy, and hang one on the door of each child’s bedroom. The more you practice, the more everyone will feel secure about what to do in case of a fire.
Outside the Home
Designate a meeting place outside the home. This should be at least 300 feet from the house. Do a head count once everyone is at the designated meeting place. Do not go back into the home for pets or other belongings.
Decide how you will contact firefighters once you are outside the house. You cannot go back inside to call. You can go to a neighbor’s house or use a cell phone if you have one on you. Remember, fires can happen anytime and you may not have time to grab material possessions such as cell phones.
Preventive Measures
The best plan for escaping a fire is never to have one in the first place. Try to fireproof the house to prevent a fire. Keep flammable materials away from lights, especially halogen bulbs that get hot when left on for long periods. Don’t put too many electrical appliances in one outlet. Use appropriate extension cords.
Test the fire alarms at least once a month to make sure they work. Replace the batteries on smoke alarms twice a year, when you set your clocks back in the fall and forward in the spring. Always keep fire extinguishers in several parts of the house, especially the kitchen, garage and bedrooms. Teach children how to use a fire extinguisher and let them practice – before they need it.
Emergency Response
Post fire safety rules on the refrigerator or hang a safety poster on the wall. Make sure all family members know what to do in case of a fire. Teach children to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch on fire. Explain why the technique works.
When you smell smoke, always get down to the floor and crawl since smoke tends to rise and will reach the floor last. Touch any doors and knobs to test them. If they are hot, a fire is most likely on the other side and you’ll need to find another escape route.
Fires can happen anytime. Being prepared is the best defense against tragedies. Always teach your family that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. |
