Firefighters respond to more than 350,000 household fires in the U.S. each year – so it just makes sense to learn how to prevent fires and protect your family. Many people are unaware that a fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes – and that an entire home can become engulfed in flames in only five minutes. So do the smart thing and take a few minutes to review the following fire safety tips.
Smoke Detectors – Smoke detectors increase your chances of surviving a fire by 50%. At a minimum, you should install smoke detectors near every bedroom and in the kitchen. Test the detectors once every month and replace dead batteries immediately.
Fire Extinguishers – At the very least, you should have an easily accessible fire extinguisher in your kitchen. It’s also a good idea to have them in your garage and any workshop areas. Check your extinguishers regularly to ensure they are in working order.
Escape Plan – Create an escape plan in case of fire and go over it with every person who lives in your home. Include two escape routes from every bedroom (the door and one of the windows). Establish an area for everyone to meet once they escape the home.
Fall and Crawl – If your home becomes filled with smoke, it’s vital to know that the temperature and air quality are much more survivable close to the ground. Teach everyone to get on their hands and knees and crawl to safety as quickly as possible.
Get Out and Stay Out – Once a fire is out of control, you need to leave immediately, call 911 and don’t go back into the house. Going back into a burning home to retrieve ANYTHING can be deadly.
