Chapter 7: How to Prepare for a Fire

Fires are a common problem in this country affecting many homes and families. Some fires can be prevented while others cannot. It is always good to be prepared in the case of a fire so you and your family know what to do to be safe. Make sure the whole family is aware of where house exits are and how they will escape if different exits are blocked or if they are trapped in a certain part of the house. Also make sure to have smoke detectors installed in the home so that if a fire were to start everyone would be aware anytime of the day. The alarm should be loud enough that it would arouse someone out of sleep if a fire were to happen.

When you prepare for a fire make sure to come up with ways to exit the home from every part of the house. Consider that a fire could strike in any area of the house and you and your family will need to be prepared to safely exit no matter where they are in the house. Make sure to take some time to practice exiting the home from different parts of the home a few times a year so if a fire happens you and your family will be more than prepared. Also consider that once you exit the home you will want to find an area that is safely away from the home and that everyone can come to upon exiting the home to keep tabs of where everyone in the family is located. Make sure to call the Fire Department as soon as possible and let them know if anyone was unable to exit the house.

If a fire strikes and you are in a room where there is smoke or fire make sure to stay low to the ground. Inhaling smoke can be dangerous and you want to make sure that you stay low to avoid breathing it in. If you come to a door that is shut and are not sure if the fire is outside of that room make sure to touch the door and feel if it is hot. If it is hot try to find another way to exit as there is more than likely fire outside of that door.

It is crucial to be prepared for a fire as fires are a common household threat. Take precautions around the house so as not to accidentally cause a fire. Also take the time to prepare in case such an emergency were to happen so everyone has the chance to be safe. Keep in mind that there may be some injuries or burns and people will need to be treated immediately. If you can take a First Aid course that may help reduce the severity of injuries or burns. Also having the supplies in a first aid kit will help you and your family to treat the ailment immediately.