Being Prepared for A Fire.

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Burn Awareness Week is also a great time to refresh ourselves on the ways to prevent fires by being prepared. So the first step is plan and get ready.

Fire is one of the most common disasters to hit the average family. Did you know fire causes more deaths than any other type of disaster? But fire doesn’t have to be deadly. Especially if you have early warning from a smoke detector. Another thing everyone in your family should know is how to escape calmly. Please take this seriously. As parents it’s your responsibility for planning for and practicing what to do in case of a fire.

To help you with this we have prepared a checklist which you’ll find below. As you’ll see it is pretty easy to do and a fun family activity because it gives everyone an opportunity to be involved in the protection of your house and loved ones. If you have small children it’s great because they feel a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they take pride in the responsibilities of taking care of family. It helps build their self-esteem.

We suggest you install dual sensor smoke detectors outside each bedroom and on each additional floor of your residence. Remember to keep new batteries on hand.

When were new smoke detectors installed: ________ (date)

When were the Batteries purchased: ________ (date)

What day of the month are you going to check your smoke detectors: ________ (date) (remember they should be checked every month).

Create a chart. Make sure there’s a place for the family member in charge to sign their name or initials after each of the tests they’re responsible for.

______________ (family member name) checks smoke detectors.

Look at the fire extinguisher(s) you have; check it to make sure they are properly charged. There’s nothing worse than depending on a fire extinguisher that is out of date. Just imagine how it would feel if you or your loved ones pushed the button. Nothing happened.

If your house has more than one floor you should have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor. Check the pressure on the gauge. Some fire extinguishers have a test button to check proper pressure. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded in any way, replace it. Some fire extinguishers can be professionally serviced. Find out which kind of fire extinguisher you have.

Did you know that many fire departments have training on how to use a fire extinguisher? Call your local fire department and ask them when they are holding classes. If they don’t offer this training, ask how you can get involved in helping them create one. That way you not only help your family but many others, too. You can also check with your local Community Emergency Response Team about training in how to use the fire extinguisher. If you live in the United States you can contact your local emergency manager. Every city has one._______________ (family member name) examines extinguisher.

______________________________________________________ (family member names) have been trained to use the extinguisher.

Draw a floor plan of your home; mark two fire escape routes for each room.

Floor plan completed: _____________ (date)

Remember to pick a safe outside place away from the house to meet after escaping from a fire.

Meet up place outside: __________________________________

Remember to teach your children: Practice a low-crawl escape from your bedroom. After everybody’s done it a few times, try doing it with your eyes closed. That way you can see how well each of you would do in thick smoke.

Smoke escape drill conducted: __________________ (date)

Conduct a home fire drill at least twice a year.

Home fire drill conducted: ______________________ (date)

Make your home fire safe:

Fact: Dual sensor smoke detectors save lives. Dual Sensor smoke detectors have both ionization and photoelectric sensors in them. This offers maximum protection from two primary types of fires: flaming and smoldering. Dual photoelectric and ionization smoke sensing technologies offer optimal sensing of smoke particles produced in both flaming and smoldering fire. Remember to install a battery-powered dual sensor smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.

Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. When necessary, be sure to replace batteries immediately. Remember all the batteries in your smoke alarms need to be changed at least once a year.

Don’t forget to have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Did you know that’s where most buyers happen?

You and every member of your family need to know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly. It’s the wrong time to learn when you’re trying to fight a fire. If you don’t know how you can get from the fire department on how to use it. After you’ve gone through the training make sure there is written instructions in your kit on the way to attack a fire. Also you need to make sure that everybody knows when the right time is to get out and quit fighting.

Remember, we want everybody to survive to play another day.

Also have instructions how to turn off all the utilities in your house.

Practice Every Month: Periodic Fire Drills.

We suggest you practice them at least once a month that way everyone remembers what to do when there is a fire.

Remember, don’t forget to make plans for your pet.

Each member in your family needs to have an Emergency Go Bag.

Here Are the Basic Things Each of You Should Have in Your Emergency Go Bag:

A Couple Days Supply of Any Needed Medications

House and Cars Keys

Cash

Copies of Important Documents

Important Phone Numbers

Change of Cloths

Emergency Space Blanket

Have a Current Picture of All Who Live in Home

Have Activities for Your Children to Do and Yourself

Food

Water

Anything extra you think you’ll need. (Remember you know your family better than anyone else.)

Plan Escape Routes:

Know at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it.

Select a safe zone outside your home where everyone will meet after escaping.

Practice your full escape plan at least twice a year. (We suggest you try to do it every other month.) Remember, once you are out, stay out!

Please escape safely. We really enjoy having you around. And we’re not the only ones. This business is serious but you can have fun doing it.

If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out.

If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.

If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, use your second way out.

If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help by using a bright-colored cloth at the widow.

If there is a telephone in the room, call 911 (Use this in the United States. If in a different country check with your local fire department on how to get a hold of him in an emergency.) When you call them remember to tell them where you are.

If you catch on fire stop, drop, and roll.

“Once out stay out.”

This concludes this week’s blog. We hope you found it informative. We also hope that you make this part of your family conversation and implement this so you and your family can be prepared.