Super-heated air is also dangerous because it can sear the lungs. Room temperatures can range from 100 degrees at floor level to more than 600 degrees at eye level, a heat so intense that clothes can melt into the skin. A room can become so super-heated that everything in it will ignite instantaneously. Keep in mind that black smoke will disorient you, blinding you even in the most familiar settings.
Regularly changing batteries and making sure smoke detectors are operational is a good practice. Many people change the batteries on their smoke detectors when the fall and spring clocks change.
The alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area, and one should be present in each level of the home. There are also interconnected fire alarms that will sound all of them when just one is triggered, a good idea for multi-level homes.
Escape Plans
But getting the warning is only half of the problem. You also need an escape plan, one that offers alternatives in case the main routes are blocked by fire, fallen objects or other hazards. It’s time to gather the family and walk through the home, going over all possible exits and escape routes. It’s best to plan for at least two exits from each room, including windows and doors. Make sure any member of the family can open the windows easily and that there are no objects that potentially may block a doorway. If there are barred windows, there should be a release switch easily accessible from the inside.
Once you have a planned route, discuss where everyone will meet once they are outside, so a head count can be made and all can be assured that everyone is out. If you have someone with limited mobility in the family or if you have pets, let the family discuss which adult will be responsible for them. It’s a good idea to have a backup person as well. Fire strikes without warning, and the designated person may be out of town or otherwise away from home at a crucial moment.