One of the best ways to ensure the family stays safe is to focus on fire prevention and awareness. Knowledge is power, and fire safety is no exception.
The more the user and the family know about preventing fires, the necessary fire equipment to keep the home safe, and the personalized fire escape plan, the more likely the user will stay safe if the unthinkable happens.
Follow the steps outlined below to create a fire escape plan for the family, and then rest easy knowing the user has done all the user can to keep the loved ones and the home safe.
Create a Fire Escape Plan in 10 Easy Steps
- Begin the fire escape plan by drawing a simple and easy-to-read map of the home that shows all rooms, windows, and doors.
- Walk through each room of the home and locate two exit options per room (typically a door and a window).
- Test all windows and doors to ensure they are easily accessible and functioning properly. Teach children how to open and close the window locks in case they are alone and trapped inside a room with no other escape option.
- Test all smoke detectors in the home by pushing the “test” button. user should have a smoke alarm installed directly outside each sleeping area and on each level of the home. Larger homes may require additional alarms.
- Choose one spot in the front of the home to meet in case of a fire. Make sure everyone knows where the designated meeting place is, so all family members can be quickly accounted for if a fire breaks out.
- Stand near the street and look at the home. Can users easily spot the house or building number? This is something users may not think about because users know the address and home location, but having the number of the street address easily visible to emergency responders makes a difference in their timely response.
- Walk about the fire escape plan with every member of the family. Answer questions, and don’t be afraid to discuss the “what-ifs.” Thinking and planning through various emergency scenarios will build confidence.
- Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 and help them memorize their home addresses.
- Place fire extinguishers on every level of the home in easily accessible locations. Every member of the family should know how to operate the fire extinguisher if needed.
- Practice, practice, practice! The entire purpose of creating a fire escape plan is to be prepared in an emergency. Every family member needs to know exactly what to do if a fire breaks out in their home. Create a few scenarios and walk from room to room, discussing escape routes, and backup plans.
Basic Fire & Home Safety Tips To Remember
- A closed door slows the spread of fire, heat, and smoke.
- Test smoke alarms monthly. According to the NFPA, dead batteries cause over 25% of smoke alarm failures. Bonus tip: Change the batteries whenever the user moves the clocks forward or back.
- Fire sprinkler systems are standard in commercial buildings, but did users know that sprinkler systems can be installed in the home as an added safety feature? When a home fire sprinkler system is in use, the fire stays confined to a single room in the home 97% of the time!
- Never use the oven or stovetop to heat the home. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and test them monthly.
- Think “PASS” when operating a fire extinguisher. Pull the pin. Aim low. Squeeze the handle. Sweep from side to side.
