Did you know that around 4,000 Americans die every year in a house fire? Even though that is a terrifying statistic, a little bit of preparation can go a long way. Having a working smoke detector can double someone’s chance of living.
Do you know how to prepare for a fire? Keep reading to learn what you can do to protect your belongings and your family from a house fire.
Install Fire Alarms
One of the most important fire preparation tips on this list is to always have working fire alarms. You should have a fire alarm in every bedroom and the bedroom hallways. There should be fire alarms on every story of your home.
You should test your fire alarms every month and replace the batteries in them twice per year, even if the batteries are not dead.
One common mistake that people make with fire alarms is they disable them while cooking. Have you ever accidentally burnt bacon? Most people forget to replace the batteries, but this can be a deadly mistake.
Create an Escape Plan
The next step to preparing for a fire is to create an escape plan. If there is an actual fire, there won’t be much time to think, so having a plan will allow you to act quickly.
Here are some things to keep in mind when creating an escape plan:
- Every room should have two exits
- Check that windows are easy to open
- Teach your kids that firefighters are there to help
- Practice getting out of your house in both the daytime and nighttime
- Protect important assets with fire blankets
- Have a fire safety kit
Once you have created an escape plan, you should practice this plan at least a couple of times per year.
Establish a Communication Plan
In addition to having an escape plan, another part of the preparation for fire is having a communication plan. In the event of a fire, what happens if your family gets separated from each other?
One of the best ways to do this is to designate a meeting spot and create an emergency contact. Emergency contacts can help if family members cannot find each other. If you have neighbors, talk to them to see if they are willing to be the contact.
Prepare to Use the Fire Extinguisher
One of the main causes of house fires is cooking. Do you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen? If not, you should.
Having a fire extinguisher in your kitchen can prevent a small fire from turning into a huge fire. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where to find the fire extinguisher and how to use it.
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Now You Know How to Prepare for a Fire
House fires are scary, but if you prepare, you can save your family’s lives. When preparing for a house fire, make sure that your fire alarms are always working, you have an escape and communication plan, and you know how to use the fire extinguisher.
Did you enjoy reading this article on how to prepare for a fire? If so, check out our other articles in the home category for more tips!