Is Your Family Prepared for a Fire?
We all like to believe we know exactly what we would do if a fire were to occur in our home.
However, when panic sets in will you be as prepared as you once thought you were? Fires double in size every 60 seconds, so it is imperative to try to stay calm. Panic can lead to clouded judgement, which in turn can lead to chaos. The best way to keep from panicking is to be prepared.
This can be done by doing the following three things:
- research
- rehearsal
- practice
If you want to know more statistics on home fires, check out this source, 4052 civilian home fire fatalities reported by U.S. news media between January 1, 2014 and September 15, 2015.
Your Security, and Safety. Our Business
We at Strand Security want to make sure the people of Myrtle Beach are safe and sound. The following will outline several tips on how to protect your family in case of a house fire.
Smoke Alarms
Did you know:
About two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms
or no working smoke alarms.
Here are a few tips about smoke alarms:
● Keep your smoke alarm up to date. It is a good plan to replace all smoke alarm batteries once a year. To make it easy to remember, perhaps do them all at the same time. Also, did you know that smoke alarms have a shelf life and may not work as well over time, they lose sensitivity. It is a good idea to change your smoke alarms every 8 to 10 years but be sure to check them monthly.
● Smoke alarms need to be placed in every room on every level of the house.
● Having a smoke alarm system that is hard wired and monitored is your best protection in case of fire!
Fire Drills
Sounds advice:
● Practice fire drills often. The more practice, the less panic.
● Do not only conduct fire drills during the day, but every once in a while conduct them at night while everyone is sleeping.
● Draw a floor plan.
● Practice your exit strategy from each room of the house. Escape ladders are important for second story homes.
● Sound your smoke alarm to begin the drill.
● Exit the house as fast as possible.
● Go to your meeting spot outside.
Additional Fire Safety Tips
Other important things to remember:
● Plan two ways of escape from every room, the door or perhaps the window if necessary.
● Make sure all windows and doors are clear from obstructions and open properly.
● Stay low to the ground to avoid smoke. The smoke will be black and it will be hard for you to see.
● Always check closed doors for heat by touching the door handle before opening, if hot then place a towel under the door and use a window.
● Do not call 911 from inside the house, call outside or at a neighbor’s house. You may only have up to two minutes to get out of your house.
● Pick an outdoor meeting spot, make sure you let the fire department know everyone is out and safe.
● Once you are out, stay out. You may be lucky you got out the first time but not so lucky the second.
Common Causes of House Fires
Knowledge and prevention!
Use caution when…
● Smoking: you can greatly reduce the risk of fire by smoking outside.
● Lighting Candles: never leave an open flame unattended, you may opt for battery operated candles instead.
● Cooking: do not leave the kitchen unattended while preparing a meal.
● Heating: space heaters need to be secured in an upright position. Make sure they can not be knocked over by pets or children.
● Electrical Malfunction: older, overused or faulty appliances may lead to a fire.
Related article: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Practice, prevention and knowledge can go along way when it comes to your safety. With the above tools you are on your way to protecting yourself and your family from a house fire.
