subject: Being prepared can save lives [print this page] Being prepared can save lives Being prepared can save lives
Fire Safety: Unfortunately Lots of people live by the edict that it will happen to someone else, this is possibly right in nearly every occasion, but isn't a good way to live. Emergencies and accidents are named as such because they happen beyond people's ascendance and are rare, even so its worth being prepared in case. Prevention is the best plan, but if things go wrong then be prepared to deal with the situation as best you can. One of the worst home based problem is fire, it kills massively and causes millions of pounds or dollars of damage every year. To prevent fires there are plenty of things to do such as install smoke detectors and keep an eye on hazards, if this fails then be ready for fire.
Check Smoke Alarms:
It's important that you not only have smoke alarms installed, but regularly inspect them to make sure that they are in working order. By making sure that this simple device is in working order, you can not only help protect your property, but also protect your life as well.
Have Operational Fire Extinguishers:
It's important to have home fire extinguishers in your home in case of immediate emergency, and to make sure that those extinguishers are functional. Make sure that you have extinguishers installed in high risk locations in your home, like the kitchen, or near a fire place, where fires are likely to start. If you're able to act quickly then many fires can be stopped before they become out of control. Inspect them regularly to make sure that they are in operational order. Most home extinguishers have the test button near the nozzle which will tell you if the extinguisher still has adequate pressure to be able to work in case of an emergency. It's also a good idea for all members of the household to know how to properly use the extinguisher in case of a fire.
Develop an Escape Plan:
One of the most important thing that you can do to save the most lives in the event of a house fire is having an effective plan of escaping the home. It's especially important for kids to understand that the best course of action for them to take is to step out from the home quickly.
Have a map of your home marking all hallways, windows, doors, and ways to get out from the home. Educate kids on the importance of feeling a door before they open it in the case that fire might be on the other side, and to stay low to the ground when heavy smoke is present.
In the event of second story bedrooms, it's critical to have a fire escape ladder for kids and other family members to be able to use in order to exit the home effectively. Escape ladders are available in different styles that can be used by virtually any member of your family.
As part of your escape plan, make sure to have a designated meeting place outside of the home for all family members to meet. Also explain the importance of getting out, and staying out. Most of the injuries and deceases in house fires have occurred because someone who was safely outside of the home decided to go back inside. Instruct the members of your family that in the event of a fire they should first exit the home, and then call 911 from the home of a neighbor.
It's a good idea to mark the windows of small kids with noticeable stickers so that fire department personnel can recognize potential rooms where people could be located. These stickers are available at your local department or hardware store, and many local fire departments make them available free of charge for residents of their community.
Many local fire departments and public service agencies can provide your family a detailed fire averting and escape planning tips which can not only educate the members of your household, but potentially save their lives. Contact these agencies to find out what kind of educational services they can offer your family. By spending some extra time educating your family on what to do in case of a fire, you can provide everyone the added security of knowing that they know what to do in case of an emergency.
