Fire Safety in the Home
Thursday, August 11th, 2011An important thing to have in your home is a fire safety plan between the members of your family and yourself. Having a plan will prevent such things as chaos when there is an actual emergency. Have a detailed plan printed out and located in several areas in your house. You never know what could happen, so in case of an emergency always be prepared.
One thing you need to have in your home is a Fire Extinguisher. Fire Extinguishers are an important part of fire safety. When you buy a fire extinguisher make sure you read the how to use instructions, so that you are prepared when the time comes to use it. It will also be important to make sure that the fire extinguisher is placed in a location near an oven or any appliance that could catch fire. Fire Extinguishers are an essential to fire safety and should be used when needed only.
The next thing that needs to be done in your fire safety plan is to map out a exit route. Plan on every possible outcome. Sometimes the front door is inaccessible, so find other exit doors and windows that can be of use when trying to get out of a burning house. Also explain to your children that if a doorknob feels hot there is usually fire behind it and to not open the door. Explain and show them other exit options if the front and back door are not available to use.
It is important to know how to act if there is a fire in your home. First, get low to the ground, so as to not inhale too much smoke. Second, do not stop and pack up belongings, your first priority should be getting yourself out of harms way, not packing up your favorite CD. Last, if by some chance you were to catch on fire remember stop, drop and roll. Stop where you are, drop down to the ground, and roll around until the fire is put out. Invest in fire blankets just in case your only exit option is through the front door and you have to get through a fire, they will help you out.
Being prepared is an important part of fire safety, and having warning ahead of time is the best plan. Check your fire alarms monthly and replace the batteries when needed. Have a test run through with your family, so they can practice what to do if there is a fire. If you have a plan and are prepared, everything should go smoothly in case of those unfortunate emergencies that occur.

