According to the National Fire Protection Association – in the U.S, about 7 people die per day due to home fires and roughly 1 of every 335 households had a reported home fire per year, during the period 2009-2013. That’s a lot!
Fires can happen very quickly and you and your family should have an Escape Plan should a fire break out, however the best way to practice fire safety is to ensure that a fire doesn’t break out in the first place. This means that you should always be aware of potential fire hazards in your home.
Ways To Make Your Home Safer:
- 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused by fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms – so do ensure that you install smoke alarms on every level of your home – inside bedrooms and other rooms.
- Test the smoke alarms at least once a month and if they are not working, change the batteries. Smoke alarms should also be replaced every 10 years.
- Smoking materials should be locked up in a high place. Do not leave cigarette lighters or matches where children are able to reach them.
- Replace or professionally repair any appliances that spark, smell unusual, or overheat.
- If you have young kids in the home, cover all electric outlets that are not in use with plastic safety covers.
- Remain in the kitchen while cooking food on the stove. If you do leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time – turn off the stove.
- Pot holders, towels, plastic and clothing should be kept away from the stove, as these may catch fire.
Teaching Your Children About Fire Safety
- Teach your kids never to play with matches or lighters and do not play with them around children. They may try to do the same things they see you do.
- Let them know that fires spread very quickly and that most fire-related deaths are in fact from smoke inhalation rather than burns. The dangerous fumes can be fatal in just a few minutes.
- Make your children aware of what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
Have An Escape Plan
- Form and practice a home fire escape plan. Have 2 ways out of every room in case of a fire.
- Use a stopwatch to time how fast your family can escape. (The kids will enjoy this)
- Sound the smoke alarm and teach the children to get low and get out when they hear it.
- Choose a safe and easy-to-remember spot outside of your home where your family will meet after you get out.
- A child who is trained properly ahead of time will have a better chance of getting out unharmed.
What To Do In The Case Of A Fire
- If the smoke alarm beeps, get out of the house. Do not try to hide or grab your belongings.
- Follow your family’s escape plan, just as you practiced.
- Since smoke rises, the safest air for breathing is down low so stay low to the floor.
- Before opening a door, feel it. If it’s hot, a fire may be brewing on the other side, so rather try another escape route as per your escape plan.
- Remember to stop where you are and drop to the ground if your clothing catches fire. Cover your mouth and face with your hands, and continue to roll over and over until the flames are out. This is known as “Stop, Drop and Roll”.
- Once you are out, you can call 9-1-1 – Do not go back inside for any reason.