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Home Fire Protection Tips For Prevention And Evacuation
Home fires are frightening and life-threatening. Understandably, the threat is even greater when you have children or elderly people in the home. As such, it's important to have a plan to prevent a home fire and have an evacuation plan in place in case such a tragedy does occur. Your loved ones' lives depend on it.
Home Fire Prevention
The best way to survive a fire is to prevent it in the first place. You can do this by taking some steps to make sure your home is not a fire hazard. For example:
- Don't overload electrical outlets
- Don't accumulate combustible materials
- Don't leave lit candles unattended
- Don't allow lint to accumulate in dry vents
- Don't allow grease to build up on cooking appliances
In addition to these steps, make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Also, check the batteries regularly, usually once a month. Also, have a fire extinguisher handy in case of a small fire.
Home Fire Evacuation Plans
In case of a fire, the most important step is to get out and stay out of the house. Getting your family members out of the house safely is the top priority. The family can discuss an escape plan and practice it a couple of times a year so that everyone is clear on what to do and where to go to get out safely.
Adults should not just teach children not to hide. They should also help them know how to take action know where to exit the home safely. For the elderly in the home, a plan is needed to help if mobility is an issue. However, you can plan a safe escape by following a few steps. For instance:
- Use an escape plan template to draw a home floor plan
- Identify the possible escape areas like doors and windows
- Have two escape plan ideas for those with mobility issues
- Set a meeting place outside in order to verify everyone is out
If you have an elderly person in the home, designate someone to help them get out so that there is no confusion if a fire occurs. Practicing the plan helps everyone remember where to go and what the alternate plan is in case it is necessary.
You and your family can safely escape a home fire with a good plan in place. In addition to the plan, ensure everyone understands the importance of crawling below the smoke, checking doors for heat, and what to do if clothes catch fire. It's also important they understand to stay outside once they're out. For more information, contact a home fire protection service.