Like a thief in the night, house fires sneak into the lives of far too many unsuspecting families. Yet, unlike robbers who aim to steal select valuables, fire isn’t discriminate. In a matter of minutes, what began as a tiny spark can erupt into a destructive inferno. During these precarious moments, actions matter. In fact, the wrong move could mean the difference between getting the entire family outside to safety or genuine tragedy. Speaking to your family about fire safety, and crafting a memorable safety plan, is paramount. Thankfully, this daunting topic isn’t as complex as it may seem. The following topics form the foundation of a productive and comprehensive fire safety plan.
Related resource: Top 20 Emergency Management Degree Online Programs
Create a Robust Exit Strategy
The biggest threat many families face isn’t fire, but a lack of clear communication about what to do during this emergency. Prior to speaking with your family, create a thorough exit strategy for each room in the house. Ideally, there are at least two exit possibilities from every room. Routes are typically unobstructed exits toward outside, such as a door or window. Think of possible scenarios where the fire could be located and create an exit strategy for each possibility. Lastly, decide on a designated meeting spot. Make sure this area is far away from the home in case of an explosion, but also easy to find in the dark. Neighbor mailboxes or large neighborhood trees, for example, are common choices.
Once drafted, make copies for each household member. If possible, follow the mindset of hotels, which frame finalized exit strategies in prominent areas. After discussing, the American Red Cross recommends rehearsing this plan at least two times per year.
Discuss Fire Prevention Techniques
As kids, we were taught healthy food habits with the legendary Food Pyramid. Similarly, the Fire Prevention Triangle is an effective tool to learn the three elements needed to burn, which includes: heat, oxygen, and fuel. The Health and Safety Authority says the key to preventing and stopping fires is to eliminate at least one of these three elements. When crafting a prevention plan, pay attention to areas in the home where any of these elements are present, such as in the kitchen or garage.
Essential Fire Survival Techniques
According to Ready.gov, the average household has two minutes to escape a fire before it reaches life-threatening levels, and five minutes before an entire house can succumb to the flames. With such a small window to flee, the seconds after smoke is smelled or the ringing of a smoke detector echoes down the hallway are paramount. Along with a defined exit strategy, discuss fire survival techniques with your entire family.
Smoke inhalation is a serious threat during any house fire. Crawling low to the ground is the best way to avoid breathing toxic smoke and fumes. If possible, use a shirt or washcloth to cover your nose and mouth. Never open doors without touching the door and doorknob. If hot, keep the door shut and follow the secondary exit plan.
When opening a door, be prepared to quickly shut it if flames are present. Remember, closed doors can slow the fire. Lastly, stop, drop and roll is still the best way to snuff clothing that’s caught fire. If this isn’t possible, smother the fire with a thick towel or blanket.
While facing a house fire is a tragedy everyone hopes to avoid, it’s best to educate your family on fire safety and hope to never use it, than never making a plan and feeling the heat of angry flames. Thankfully, with solid fire prevention tactics and a thorough safety plan, it’s possible to survive this flickering horror.