Did you know that the average time to escape if a fire starts in your home is just two minutes?
To protect yourself and your family from the fire, there are some basic rules everybody in your household should go by. We are giving you the insight into the most important tips to know in case a fire occurs:
Basic Tips
At the moment of fire, it is absolutely understandable that everyone may immediately go into a state of panic paralyzed with fear, and not manage to get out in time. This is why it’s important for you to talk to your household members about ways to prevent the fire from spreading and bringing to their consciousness that there is a way to escape it quickly and effectively.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home – bathroom, inside and outside sleeping areas included
- Your children need to be educated on the importance of fire alarms and their purpose
- All smoke alarms in the house need to be tested once a month
- Never disable carbon monoxide or smoke alarms
- Know the difference between the sound of carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms. One is not a substitute for the other
- If the smoke gets very thick, crawl under it to the exit
- Never smoke in bed
- Items that can easily catch fire need to be kept at least three feet away from anything that gets hot
- Turn portable heaters off when you go to sleep or leave the room
- Always check if you’ve turned off appliances and gadgets like curling irons, hair straighteners, iron, etc. after you’ve used them
- If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help
Home Fire Escape Plan
Every home should have a home fire escape plan that the whole family is familiar with. It is of utmost importance for all household members to know two ways to escape from every room of your home. Also, there should be a meeting spot planned where everyone should meet in case of fire.
For precaution, practice escaping from your home at different times of the day, at least twice a year. If your neighborhood has had several fires, or the area that you live in is prone to fires, you may practice the drill even more often. Also, practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside.
Solutions If Exit Doors Are Blocked
In case heat, smoke or flames block your exit doors and routes, don’t panic. Close all the doors and place a wet towel under them. Open all windows straight after. Call 9-11 immediately, following and wait patiently for fire safety services to come. Additionally, you should wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
Keep Your Composure
In stressful and life-threatening situations like a fire breakout it’s important to remain calm and pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge of other people which asks for additional composure. Listen carefully to what they are telling you, and deal patiently.
Immediately After a House Fire
Often, when a fire breaks out and people manage to escape with no visible injuries, what happens is that they inhale too much smoke which can be very dangerous. This is why you shouldn’t play strong and refuse medical help. Let a medical professional aid you and examine whether you are okay and if you need any medical assistance. If you’ve got small wounds, wash them with water and soap. To help prevent infection, use bandages and replace them if they become damaged, soiled or waterlogged.
We hope you’ll never be in a situation to actually have to implement any of our advice, but in case you are – please be very careful, composed and smart.