Every day in the United States, 53 people are injured and 11 die in home fires. The fact is that many of these fires, injuries and deaths could have been prevented if the victims had practiced good fire safety habits and procedures.
Smoke Detectors
One of the most important things you can do to keep your family safe from fire is to install monitored smoke detectors on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Why? Consider this. Homes with fire alarm systems are four times less likely to experience a fire-related death. These systems are especially important since nearly half of residential fires occur between 11 pm and 6 am, the time when residents are usually asleep. And since many fire victims are overcome by the poisonous fumes created by a fire before ever waking up, the alarm of a smoke detector could very well save your life some day.
Plan an Escape Route
Because of the confusion that often accompanies a fire, it is important to plan at least two escape routes ahead of time with family members. Decide on a specific place outside where everybody will meet, and practice your escape plan at least twice a year. For higher floors, consider and escape ladder. Also keep in mind that many people are trapped inside their homes by the security bars on windows during a fire. If you have security bars, make sure they have a release on the inside so you and your family can escape.
Stop, Drop, Roll
As part of your fire safety preparedness, make sure everyone in your family understands not to run if they or their clothing should catch on fire. Running will only fan the flames. Instead, stop, drop and roll on the ground to smother the fire. If caught in thick smoke, remember to crawl low to the floor, since the best air will be a few inches off the floor.
By planning ahead, you can do a lot to prevent fires and ensure the safety of your family. But if a fire does start in your home, don’t forget the idea is to escape first. Do not ever return to a burning building.
For more information, contact us for a free, no-obligation fire safety consultation.
- Home Security for Father’s Day - June 13, 2022
- Video Guard Monitoring for Cannabis Businesses Part 2 - May 5, 2022
- Virtual Guard Monitoring for Office Complexes - May 3, 2022