Roughly 374,000 fires occur in homes
across the U.S. each year. Protect your home and family from being a statistic
when you create a fire emergency plan. It helps you stay safe as you recognize Child
Safety Protection Month this November.
1. Discuss Fire Safety Tips
Obviously, you want to extinguish candles, cigarettes and other open flames
immediately. You also need to supervise meal prep in the kitchen to ensure
nothing catches on fire. However, did you know that fabric can be flammable
when it lies near the heater? Teach your family to prevent these and other fire
hazards.
2. Hang Smoke Detectors
To ensure everyone can safely escape a fire, place smoke detectors on every
floor of your home where you can hear them day and night. Since smoke rises,
place them on the ceiling or high on the walls.
3. Locate Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers need to be accessible. Place one in the kitchen under the
sink or in the pantry. Other smart locations include near the entrance and exit
doors and at least one on each floor. Once they're securely attached to the
wall, ensure your adult and teen family members know how to use them.
4. Choose the Exits
Your home's layout determines where you can safely exit. In each room, choose
two door or window exits that assist your family in safely escaping a house
fire. If you have a second story, store an escape ladder near the window, and
make sure you know how to use it properly.
5. Designate an Outdoor Meeting Spot
Whether your family meets at a neighbor's house or a tree across the street,
designate an outdoor base camp. Call 911 from this spot after everyone safely
escapes the fire.
6. Practice the Plan
Even the best fire emergency plan will be ineffective if your family members
don't know what to do when a fire starts. Test the fire alarms and teach your
kids what they sound like. Then, practice escaping out of the nearest exit and
meeting at your designated spot.
Your family's fire emergency plan can keep you safe as you recognize Child
Safety Protection Month. Additionally, talk to your insurance agent and ensure
you have adequate home insurance for your house and possessions. Insurance
won't prevent fires, but it will give you peace of mind this month and year
round.