Creating Your Fire Safety Plan

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Involve children in the fire evacuation planning process.

According to the American Red Cross, most house fires occur during Winter. Now is the perfect time to create (or update) your family’s fire safety plan.

Follow these tips to perfect your plan:

Plan for everyone. Consider the physical capabilities of each member of your household. Assign a family member to assist each child or elderly adult in evacuating.

Involve children in planning. Draw a map of your home and have children mark two exit routes and the locations of smoke detectors. Make sure everyone knows that they need to get out immediately if the smoke alarm sounds.

Find two ways out. Visit each room of your home and identify two routes of escape. Doors and windows will be the most common routes- ensure they open easily. Install emergency release devices on security bars.

Designate a meeting spot. Decide on a meeting place outside, such as a neighbor’s house, mailbox, or stop sign. It should be in the front of the house so emergency responders can see you when they arrive.

Be visible. Ensure that your house number can be seen easily from the street by emergency responders.

Check smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing them in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping room, and on every level of the home. Check alarms monthly and replace the batteries yearly. Install a new alarm every ten years.

Have a backup plan. If the planned exit routes are blocked and it’s impossible to leave the house, close all doors between you and the fire. Place a towel under the door and go to an exterior-facing window. Call the fire department to report your location.

Practice regularly. Practice and review your plan at least once a year.

When a house fire strikes, a few seconds can make a big difference to help you and your family escape safely. If your home has been damaged by fire or smoke, the experts at SERVPRO of Burlington/ Mt. Holly are here to help.