Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires. In 2013, home fires were responsible for killing an average of eight people every day. Fire is a traumatic event for all property owners, so be prepared. Preparing for a possible home fire can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death.
Protect yourself and your family with these four basic fire safety tips:
Install and Test Smoke Alarms
Make sure your home has smoke and fire alarms installed. Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes without working smoke alarms. These alarms will alert you to the presence of a fire, giving you more time to escape. Test them every month to make sure they work properly. Homes should also have fire extinguishers on hand, and those living on the property should know how to use them.
Have an Escape Plan in Place
Establish an escape plan and practice it. Family members need to know what to do, and they’ll only know if they’ve practiced it. Plus, when children panic they look for places to hide, like a closet or under the bed. They need to know the first step is to get out of the house, and how to do it, by crawling to the nearest exit.
Beware of Hot Doors
Hot doors mean that the fire is nearby and the door should not be opened. The best way to check for heat is to feel the top of the door with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, don’t open it. Doors can also keep out smoke, even more so if you can put a blanket or clothing along the bottom. Head for a window. If you can’t get out, find a way to signal your presence, with nearby items such as a flashlight or white sheet or towel.
Make Firefighters Aware of Pets
Placing stickers on windows to alert firefighters that pets are in a home will help save their lives. Firefighters should protect people and property first but will save pets if possible.
In the event you face a fire disaster, the experts at Rainbow Restoration® are ready to begin fire, smoke, and water damage restoration as soon as authorities say the property is safe to enter. Call in the professionals to start restoring your home and life after a fire.
