Are You Fire Ready?

Are You Fire Ready?

Planning is very important in our everyday lives.  We plan for our family vacation. We plan for that big retirement. But, have you planned for a fire in your  home? While we do everything to make our home fire safe, we should plan for the unlikely time a fire occurs. Being fire ready is key. The information that follows will help you prepare to be fire ready in the unlikely event fire does break out in your home.

Following these basic safety tips every day will ensure your family’s safety all year round:

  • Keep fire extinguishers handy
  • Design a fire escape plan
  • Learn first aid for burns
  • Keep matches away from children
  • Practice home fire drills
  • Check smoke detectors regularly
  • NEVER smoke in bed
  • Know two exits from every room
  • Teach STOP, DROP and ROLL
  • Post emergency numbers by every phone
  • Store flammable liquids properly
  • Set your water heater to 120 degrees F
  • Crawl low in smoke
  • Replace damaged electrical cords

Plan Your Escape Route

  • Determine at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
  • If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it.
  • Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
  • Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Once you are out, stay out!

Call 9-1-1 from a safe place, either outside using your mobile phone or from your closest neighbor.

Escape Safely

If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.

Feel closed doors before opening them. Hot doors may mean fire on the other side.  Use a second way out if the door is hot.

Additional information can be found by following the links below:

National Fire Protection Association

U. S. Fire Administration

Fire Extinguishers