It’s also a good idea if every family member memorizes the fire department phone number. It’s also a good idea to hold one fire drill every six months so that you can see the plan in action. Keep in mind that most fires can escalate in 30 seconds or less. Stress that getting out quickly and safely is of the utmost urgency. Stopping to grab items or otherwise delaying your exit could prove to be a disastrous choice.
Finally, it’s not a bad idea to practice the idea of defending in place. This means sealing off a room if smoke or fire is so severe that it prevents exiting. This means closing all doors and using wet towels or duct tape to seal the cracks. Going to the window and seeking help from the rescue teams is the final step.
Other Fire Prevention Considerations
Cooking is a prime way for fires to start. Always supervise food cooking. If you have to step away from the stove for a short time, turn it off. It’s also a good idea to avoid cooking if you are drowsy, have been consuming alcohol or ingest medicine that can cause you to lose focus. Leaving an item on the burning stove is a sure-fire firestarter. Some people have a habit of disabling a smoke detector while cooking. This is a bad choice and should not be done.
If you smoke, take extra precautions. Most home fires related to smoking start inside the home. Cigarettes should always be disposed of properly and not simply tossed in the garbage. It’s a good idea to douse them in water or a sand-filled container. Absolutely never smoke in bed, particularly if you have been drinking.
Portable space heaters and generators can cause fires. Keep flammable objects well away from the heat source, and make sure that the devices have a fail-safe shut-off valve if they are accidentally tipped over. Do not use heaters made for outdoor use indoors. They can leach dangerous gases into your home. If you have a wood stove or chimney, make sure they're inspected at least twice a year to make sure they are in good working order. Do not leave them burning when leaving your home. Never use lighted candles when you are not fully awake and make sure to extinguish them before going to bed.
Keeping your family safe from potential fires is a matter of careful observation. A good plan and a keen eye will go a long way toward minimizing risk in your home.