7 Safety Measures to Consider In Preparedness for a Fire Incident

Being prepared for an emergency is always important, but there are some types of reactions that you can’t always account for. It’s essential to feel safe and secure in your home. 

While you may not have much control over what happens when a disaster occurs, you can take certain measures to increase your chances of surviving to see the aftermath. There are seven safety measures to consider in preparedness for a fire incident.

Keep Your House Clean

The first safety measure to consider is to keep your house clean. A clean house is a fire-resistant house.

• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. This includes clothes drier lint, paper, and rags. Never store these items in or near your dryer or clothes dryer.
• Ensure your home’s smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. You may consider installing both devices if one type malfunctions or needs replacing.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children by locking them up or keeping them out of reach when not in use. Keep matches and lighters out of sight so they will not be tempted to play with them outside of the house as well.

Have an Emergency Plan and Practice It

All family members should know what to do and where to go in the event of a fire. Reacting quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

Everyone in the family should know two ways to exit every room in the house. You will have a backup plan if one route is blocked by flames or smoke. Practice your emergency plan so everyone knows what to do when you are together.

Have a designated meeting place outside the house where everyone will meet after evacuating. This could be a neighbor’s house, a nearby park, or a safe location.

If you have small children, ensure they understand the importance of quickly getting out of the house and not going back inside for any reason.

Install Smoke Alarms and Test Them Monthly

Installing smoke alarms is one of the best things you can do to protect your family from a fire. Place them on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.

Test them monthly to make sure they are working properly. Whenever the batteries sound weak, replace them at least once a year.

If someone in your family is hard of hearing or asleep when the smoke alarm sounds, have a plan for how they will be alerted to the fire. This could include flashing lights, a vibrating pillow, or another visual or auditory cue.

Creating an evacuation plan is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for a fire. Knowing what to do and where to go in an emergency can help you and your family stay safe.

Choose a Safe Room

A safe room is a space in your home that is away from windows and exterior doors. This room should be on the ground floor, if possible.

If you live in a two-story home, choose a room on the first floor that is small and has few windows. The bathroom is often a good choice because it typically has no windows and a solid door that can be closed and locked.

If you live in an apartment or condo, choose a room near the stairwell so you can easily exit the building if the need arises.

Gather Supplies for Your Safe Room

Once you have chosen a safe room, gather supplies to keep in that space. This could include a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, blankets, and a flashlight.

You may also consider having a phone in your safe room to call for help if needed. If you have small children, include toys or other items to keep them occupied in an emergency.

Know Your Exits

In the event of a fire, you will need to evacuate your home quickly. That’s why it’s essential to know all of the exits in your home.

If you live in a two-story home, make sure there is a ladder in an accessible location so you can escape from a second-story window if necessary. If you live in an apartment or condo, know the location of all stairwells and make sure they are clear of obstructions.

Avoid Smoking Inside the House

Smoking is one of the most common causes of fires. It can also be one of the most disastrous damages and casualties. To avoid such incidents, it is best to avoid smoking inside your house.

There are many reasons why you should not smoke inside your home. First, smoking is a health hazard. Second, smoking can cause serious damage to your property. Third, smoking causes a bad smell that might lead to complaints from neighbors or other occupants in the same building as yours. 

Fourth, if there is a fire incident, it could be more difficult for you to escape if you are trapped inside a room where smoke comes from cigarettes or cigars that were left burning unattended.

To prevent such incidents from happening in your home, stay away from cigarettes and cigars when you are indoors!

Be Ready!

Creating an evacuation plan is one of the best things you can do to prepare for a fire. By designating a safe room, gathering supplies, and knowing all of the exits in your home, you and your family will be better prepared in the event of an emergency.