Fire Protection - Is Your Family Prepared?

Is there such a thing as a fireproof home? The answer is no. The best anyone can do is actively take steps to prevent a fire from starting in the first place, and, if one should occur, make sure you and your family knows what to do to get out safely and have the tools to do so.

Fire Prevention:

What kinds of things can you and your family do to actually prevent a fire?

1. Identify potential fire sources in your home such as the stove and other cooking equipment, heaters, portable heaters, water heater, etc. Make sure nothing flammable is stored near these heat sources. That includes pot holders and towels near the stove, or flammable items stored above the stove. Don't tempt your children to reach above the stove for candy or cereal - store those types of items away from any heat source.

2. When cooking make sure you're not wearing loose, long sleeves which could catch fire.

3. Don't smoke in bed.

4. Don't locate heaters within three feet of your bedding or other flammable upholstery.

5. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

6. Help prevent electrical fires by making sure not to overload electrical circuits. When not using them make sure you unplug unnecessary appliances.

7. Use extra precautions when using candles, especially around children and pets. Don't allow candles to burn unattended.

Fire Warning and Safety:

What kinds of things can you and your family do to remain safe should a fire occur?

1. Make sure you use smoke detectors on every floor of your home and near the bedrooms to alert you in case a fire breaks out.

2. Make sure you test the detectors regularly, and make sure batteries are replaced annually.

3. Draw up an escape plan for your family and make sure you practice that escape plan periodically. Ideally you should also have an alternate escape route drawn up should the primary escape route become blocked.

4. If you have a second or third story, make sure the bedrooms have escape ladders which are located near the windows and easy to use. These should become part of your escape route practice.

5. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home which are easy to get to in case of a fire. Do research the different types of fire extinguishers so you know which one to buy. Some extinguishers are only effective on certain types of fires.

6. Consider purchasing a fire blanket which can be used to extinguish a fire, such as a fire on the stove. Keep the blanket handy in the kitchen.

7. If a fire occurs in your home make sure you get yourself and your family out as quickly as you can, but try not to panic. If you are in your room and don't know if it's safe to open the door, check the temperature of the door. If it's hot don't open it. One way to check for heat is to check the temperature of the doorknob by spitting on it. If it sizzles and evaporates you know there's probably fire on the other side of the door. If trapped inside be sure to cover smoke entry points with wet towels or blankets. And yell for help or call 911 immediately. If you are able to exit, be sure to Crawl low to the floor to avoid getting affected by the fumes or smoke, as smoke and heat rises.

With careful planning and attention to safety, you and your family can prevent and survive home fires. This is truly one instance where an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.