The Thirty Day Year

Fire!

October 24th, 2007 | by Jeniffer |

Would you and your family know what to do, if your house caught on fire? Have you taken precautions, such as installing smoke alarms throughout the house? There should be one on each level, and one outside of every bedroom.

Have you ensured there exists two exits, known to each member of your family, from every room in your house? 

If you have a basement, are there rolled-up ladders attached to the windows to help you to escape? Do you have easily-accessible fire extinguishers placed throughout your home?  Does everyone know where they are, and how to use them?

If you have a wood-stove, is the area around it done in fire retardant materials (such as some types of drywall, which although not fireproof, can serve to buy a few extra precious moments to escape). As well, make certain there is a fire extinguisher easily available near that wood stove,  and remove any wood that is very close to it.

When your smoke alarm sounds, everybody in your home must know what to do. They must act fast–seconds count. 

Make sure everyone knows to call for help away from the house, away from the danger of the fire.

Look and see–is the number of your house easily visible from the street, making it easier for help to find you when necessary?

Do you have a sign on your door, advising the presence of pets in case of a fire?

Have you gone through what to do in such an emergency, with every member of your family?  Have you chosen a meeting place well away from your home, where everyone can meet to ensure no one is missing? If possible, under a street light is good, or at a neighbors place (you can also call for help from there if they are home at the time or you have a key), or in front of a tree which is far enough away from the fire not to catch.

It is recommended that everyone do a fire drill in their home, at least two times per year. When was the last time you did one?

What if right now, you make a plan with your family.  Do a floor plan of every level of your home, showing all exits (i.e. doors and windows), and go over it with them.  Show family members how  to escape through them. Check to ensure all of them understand the importance of doing this.  Do a dry run, where everyone does what they should do in the event of a fire. 

Remember that if there is an actual fire, there is no time for hesitation.  You must know what to do to get out safely.

Prevention

Do not smoke cigarettes in bed. If you fall asleep, your mattress will catch on fire.

Also, do not smoke when drowsy, or under the influence of medications which may make you feel drowsy.

Do not leave cooking food unattended.  Food can burn, grease and oil catch fire.

When cooking, position pots and pans so that their lids do not stick out from the stove.  Otherwise they are too easily knocked or pulled down.

Turn all burners on the stove off before you leave the kitchen.

Do not put dishcloths, curtains, and other materials close to the stove.

Do not leave matches or lighters near children. If you have them in your home, store them up high, preferably behind a locked door.

Become aware of the safe use of flammables, such as oils, gas, and grease.

Test your smoke alarms (remember, one on every level, plus one outside of every bedroom) once a month.

Replace smoke alarm batteries twice a year.

Do not exceed the capacity of your electric circuits.

Make sure none of the wires in your home are exposed.

Clean the lint from your dryer after each use.

If you are at work or travelling, be sure you know the exact location of any exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

If There Is A Fire

Drop and crawl as low to the ground as you can to avoid inhaling the smoke as you escape.

Before going out a door, touch it. If it is hot, do not open it. Exit from a secondary escape route.

Do not use elevators in the event of a fire.

Do not return to a burning building.

If someone’s clothing catches on fire, stop them, and roll them on the ground to put out the flames.

When travelling, if the alarm goes off in your hotel, feel the door to see if it is hot.  If it is, do not go out it. If there is no other way to exit, shut off the ventilation system, use wet towels to stuff cracks of doors and air or heating vents, and let the fire department or front desk know exactly where you are and how many others there are with you. Our local Fire Prevention Division tells me this is called “Protect In Place”.

Note: while this may be true near to where I live, it may not be so elsewhere. Check with local authorities when travelling, as they should be familiar with the place you are staying at, and would therefore be better able to advise you on the particular building.

Don’t feel foolish for asking questions.

Stay prepared to stay alive.