The history of National Fire Prevention month has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9, 1871. Of course, the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire does not break out in the first place. That means you should always be aware of potential hazards in your home just as on the job.
Make Sure All Smoke Alarms Are in Working Order
It's a fact — having a smoke alarm in the house cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half.
Almost 60% of all fatal residential fires occur in homes that do not have smoke alarms, so this may be the single most important thing you can do to keep your family safe from fires.
If your home does not have smoke alarms, now is the time to install them on every level of your home and in each bedroom. If possible, choose one with a 10-year lithium battery. If your smoke alarm uses regular batteries, remember to replace them every year (hint: change your batteries when you change your clock back from Daylight Saving Time in the fall). Test your smoke alarms monthly and be sure your kids are familiar with the sound of the alarm.
Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy
Be prepared for any accidents by having fire extinguishers strategically placed around your house — at least one on each floor and in the kitchen (this one should be an all-purpose extinguisher, meaning it can be used on grease and electrical fires), the basement, the garage, or workshop area. Keep them out of reach of children.
REMEMBER THE WORD PASS WHEN OPERATING AN EXTINGUISHER:
Pull the pin. Release the lock with the nozzle pointing away from you.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
Plan Escape Routes
Go through each room in your house and think about the possible exits. You should have in your mind two escape routes from each room, in case one is blocked by fire. Inspect the room to make sure that furniture
and other objects are not blocking doorways or windows. Make sure that the windows in every room are easy to open and are not painted over or nailed shut — remember these may be your only way out in a fire.
Pick a meeting place – a tree, a neighbor’s house, somewhere everyone knows and is safe. Draw your plan up and hang it up so family members and friends can see it. Then hold a drill. Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go! Be sure any babysitters know all escape routes and plans in case of a fire.
Teach Children the Facts About Fire
Unfortunately, many kids will try to hide from a fire, often in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner. But if taught basic fire facts, they'd be better able to protect themselves. Teach your kids that fires spread quickly, that most fire-related deaths are not from burns but from smoke inhalation, and that dangerous fumes can overcome a person in just a few minutes.
KIDS SHOULD LEARN TO:
- Cover their mouths and noses with a moist towel or an article of clothing to keep out dangerous fumes while evacuating
- Crawl under the smoke to safety, staying as low to the ground as possible (smoke always rises)
- Touch any door (not the doorknob) to see if it is hot, and if it is, not to open it — find another exit
- Locate the nearest stairway marked "Fire Exit" if they live in an apartment building, or a fire escape if
- the stairway isn't accessible — kids should know to always avoid elevators during a fire
- Never stop to take personal belongings or pets or to make a phone call (even to 911) while evacuating
- Never go back into a burning building once safely outside
- Stop, drop, and roll to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire
BEING PREPARED IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM A FIRE. SO KNOW THE RULES OF FIRE PREVENTION, STOCK YOUR HOME WITH FIRE-SAFETY ITEMS, AND MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS KNOW WHAT TO DO IN A FIRE. A FEW MINUTES OF PLANNING NOW MAY SAVE LIVES LATER ON.
Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape is this year’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s theme for Fire Prevention Month. Their website, www.nfpa.org, has a great deal of additional information, including safety materials, kids’ activities, games, products and videos related to fire safety.