How to Prepare Your Family for a Fire
Home fires are the most common disaster. Families need to take a few simple precautions to avoid such tragedies. It's better to be safe than sorry. Here are some useful tips and advice on how you can be prepared for a house fire.
. The very first rule in preparing yourself and your family for a fire or any kind of disaster is to sit down with your family and create a plan beforehand. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
. Learn the warning systems your municipal government uses and what actions to take when you hear them. It's always better to seek help or be ready enough to arrange with neighbors to advise one another of an emergency notification.
. Review fire safety features such as smoke detectors and how to monitor them; replace their batteries if needed on regular basis. Make sure that no flammable materials are kept near electrical equipment or your furnace. Check for frayed electrical cords or overloaded circuits. Learn how to turn off your water and electricity safely. Identify all potential exits.
. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your house; it's a must in your kitchen. Make sure it isn't outdated as each extinguisher has an expiration date on the label. If a large one is inconvenient, there are smaller grenade-like fire extinguishers available.
. Prepare an escape route from each floor, especially from the bedrooms. Escaping through your windows would be the first option; doors are the next best option. Remember, if you are ever in a fire, keep low to the ground and don't touch any doorknobs with your bare hands as they will be extremely hot. Make sure everyone in your family is aware of the route and has practiced it.
. Always keep checking around your house for any suspicious danger, which in the future could be the reason for a fire. Be safe around your house; don't leave any fire unattended, be it a small flame or big one. Don't leave space heaters or your dryer on unattended.
. Consider purchasing and storing escape ladders for rooms above ground level and make sure to learn how to use them. Select a safe location away from the home where your family can meet after escaping.
. Practice a fire drill exercise with your family, especially with your kids as they could be the first victims in any such event. Make your family aware of all the emergency equipment and amenities in your home, such as smoke detectors, escape routes, outside meeting points, carelessness regarding any electrical equipments that could catch fire, emergency escape ladders and fire extinguishers.
All the above steps are useful tips and advise that will guide you in preparing your family for a fire.
Related Information
Top 10 Safety Tips Every Mom Should Know
Tips for Teaching Kids About Fire Safety
