Fire Safety

I am sure that most of you remember way back from grade school how to “stop, drop, and roll.” But have you taken the time to teach your children about fire safety and what to do if there is a fire? I mean, REALLY teach them (not just tell them “hey if there is a fire you want to get out”). My family and I recently moved into a home where our children are all on the top level of our home and we are a floor below them. I must say fire safety was one of the first things we focused on (in fact, the fire marshal was at our door the day we moved in to help us come up with a safety plan). Our local fire department was MORE THAN happy to help us out and I know they would be happy to help you and your family come up with some guidelines as well. For now, our fire department has shared the following very useful tips.

FIRE SAFETY PLANS AND TIPS

1. Have an escape plan – know 2 ways out of every room (this could be a window, door, hallway, etc)
2. Check your smoke alarms every month – change batteries every 6 months 
3. Own and know how to use an extinguisher (if you do not know how to use it call your fire department, they are happy to help)
4. Stay low and go. Smoke is the real killer in a fire. About eight of every ten fire deaths are due to breathing poisonous smoke and gases. Some victims never even see the flames.
5. Get out and stay out. Many people lose their lives when they go back into a burning building to rescue people or pets.
6. Never second guess your decisions. Your first instinct is usually right.
7. Have a family meeting place. Make sure your meeting place is easy to remember. A neighbor’s driveway on the same side of the street as your house (so your kids don’t have to cross a busy road) but a few houses down (away from the fire) is a good spot.
8. Know how to call 911 – especially if you don’t have a land line. Most families don’t have land lines anymore and have a cell phone instead, make sure you educate your kids on HOW to make a 911 call from your cell phone.
9. Feel the door for heat before you open it.
10. Never leave cooking unattended.
11. Never corner yourself in a fire. Always walk toward a door or window.
12. Practice, practice, practice (your escape plan)

Other Fire Safety Tips

Teach your children to hang a pillow case or sheet from their bedroom window if they cannot get out, this alerts the fire department that there is someone trapped in that room.

Most extinguishers operate using the PASS method:
Pull the safety pin from the top of the extinguisher.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep from side to side until all of the flames are extinguished

A HUGE thank you to our local fire department for their assistance in this post. We are grateful and truly hope none of our readers ever have to use these tips!Do you have a fire safety plan? What things are you planning on discussing with your kids regarding fire safety?