Fire Survival Tactics For The Whole Family

A fire can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It is essential to be prepared for such a disaster. Unlike many other natural disasters such as tornadoes, or hurricanes, you do not have a warning system. A fire happens spontaneously and that is why it is so important to be prepared to protect your family and most important items.

The number one thing you can do to help prevent fire disaster is to have an escape plan. You should practice this plan often, and family members should know their role in a fire emergency. Most parents rely on school to prepare their children, while this is a great addition to a fire plan; children need to learn in their own home how to escape. They should know where all available exits are and how to check doors for heat. Many school age children have been found hiding during a fire and most do not survive. You can prevent this from happening to your family with education and repetition.

Smoke alarms are very important and should be used as directed. You should test your smoke alarms on a monthly basis. Everyone in your family should know where to go if the smoke alarms sound and fire is detected. You should have a meeting place that the whole family knows, and this should also be practiced on a regular basis.

If you live in a two or three story home, it is essential that you have a fire escape ladder. You can buy these for two or three story homes, and once again this should be practice under careful supervision. Fire escape ladders can provide an escape from a burning home in seconds and have protective sheathing on the chains to protect small hands.

Everyone in the home should know emergency numbers and they should be posted and practiced. If there is someone in the home who with limited mobility, you can purchase a cot/stretcher that folds and stores in a tote bag. A product called the life hammer can also save lives by breaking glass in an emergency. You can also purchase personal safety sets, and search and rescue kits. If you have fire extinguishers, make sure you know what class they are and how to use them properly.

Some valuables and documents cannot be replaced and a fire proof safe can protect these valuables during a fire. You should figure out what is most important to you before a fire, you do not want to be rummaging through your home during a fire trying to find heirlooms, this could cost you your life.

You should also think about your pets. An adult should be responsible for pets during a fire and pets should be included in your fire evacuation plan. If at all possible keep your pets near an exit at night so they are easy to find during a fire, and do not forget about pets that may be in cages. If you can install a doggie door this will help ensure that pets can get out if they need to on their own.

Knowledge and preparation save lives during a fire. Formulating a plan and having some resources on hand can ensure that all members of your family can escape a fire if necessary.