Fire Safety
Fire Safety isn't something that is always on our minds...except when you hear the wail of sirens screaming across town to save someones house. We should always be aware of the specific dangers involved with fires, and how to escape unscathed in case of the unthinkable. Protecting ourselves and family and friends should be of the utmost importance. October is Fire Safety Month (I know, I'm a little ahead of myself), and here are some tips to ensure that you and your family are ready for the unthinkable.
- Make sure you have smoke detectors. As obvious as this may sound, it is vitally important that you have them in your home, otherwise how will you know about a fire until its too late? Modern building code states that one must be outside every bedroom, and at least one on every level of the house. It might not also be a bad idea to put one in your kitchen, and one by your electrical box (as these two areas are often the culprits of fires).
- Once you have the smoke detectors, ensure that they work. Check the batteries once a month simply by pushing the button on the bottom and sounding the alarm. Change the batteries twice a year (even if they are not worn out) at the time changes (so its easier to remember). If this is not the problem, replace the detector. Recent studies have shown that if a smoke detector is over 10 years old, it has a much higher likelihood of failure in the instance of fire.
- Hold a fire drill with your family several times a year. This reinforces with the kids that fire safety at home is just as important as it is at school. Plan escape routes, and agree on a mutual meeting place once everyone has escaped from the home.
- For those of you that have two story houses; place rope escape ladders in every bedroom to ensure that everyone has a 2nd escape option. Teach you young children how to use them, and have them climb down it (supervised) to ensure they know how to use it correctly. Just be sure they don't use it to sneak out of the house at night! We have these ladders in stock, so there is no need to go far for these!
- Be sure that you home has a fire extinguisher on every level of the house. The kitchen is the best place to keep one, as that is one of the most common places for a fire to break out.
- Teach your kids Stop, Drop, and Roll. They may know what it is from school or daycare, but this is one tip that cannot be stressed enough. It can prevent bad burns and scarring.
- To extinguish a grease fire in your kitchen, use baking soda or your lid to your pan to smother the fire. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO THROW WATER ON IT OR TAKE THE PAN OUTSIDE. Water will make the fire worse, and taking it outside will increase the risk of burns.
- While you are at it, make sure there is a Carbon Monoxide detector in your house. Carbon Monoxide is one of the leading silent killers in your home, as it is virtually untraceable by scent or sight. Your furnace is often the culprit of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in your home, so place one in close proximity to that.
- Once your family is out of the house, do not attempt to go back in for possessions. You have no idea what damage the fire has done, and you may injure yourself or worse if you attempt re-entry into your residence. Always remember that possessions can be replaced, but people can't be!
