Fire Prevention Week: Keeping Our Homes and Families Safe

Imagine being at home with your family when suddenly the smoke alarm starts ringing. A fire can spread very quickly, and you may have less than two minutes to get out safely. This is why fire safety is so important.

Fire Prevention Week is a time to remind everyone to take fire safety seriously. It is also a chance to learn how to prevent fires, prepare for emergencies, and keep our loved ones safe.

  

Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms Work

Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in a home. They warn us when there may be a fire, giving us time to escape.

Here are some things every family should do:

 

●    Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms.

●    Test your smoke alarms every month to make sure they work.

●    Replace the batteries when needed.

●    Check the age of your smoke alarms. Most smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.

●    Never ignore a smoke alarm when it goes off.

 

Having a working smoke alarm can make a big difference during a fire.

 

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

 

Every family should have a plan for getting out of the house during a fire. Everyone should know at least two ways to escape from each room, when possible.

 

Choose a safe meeting place outside your home, such as a neighbor’s house or a specific tree in your yard. This way, everyone will know where to meet after getting out.

 

It is also important to practice your escape plan. Try doing a two-minute fire drill with your family. Make sure children know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what they should do when they hear it.

If a fire happens, get out as quickly as possible and stay outside. Never go back inside for people, pets, or belongings. Call 911 once you are safely outside.

 

 

Be Careful When Cooking

 

Cooking is one of the main causes of home fires. Sometimes, people leave food cooking while they go to another room, and this can lead to a fire.

 

To stay safe in the kitchen:

 

●    Never leave food cooking unattended.

●    Turn off the stove if you need to leave the kitchen.

●    Keep paper towels, bags, curtains, and other things that can catch fire away from the stove.

●    Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking.

●    Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

●    Keep a lid nearby in case a small pan fire starts.

 

If a grease fire starts, never pour water on it. If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat and cover

the pan with a lid. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. If you are unsure what to do, leave the area and call 911.

 

 

Teach Children About Fire Safety

 

Children should learn that matches, lighters, and fire are not toys. Parents and caregivers should keep matches and lighters in a safe place where children cannot reach them.

 

It is also important to teach children what to do if they find matches or lighters. They should tell a trusted adult instead of touching or playing with them.

 

Parents can also help children feel less afraid of firefighters by teaching them about the important work firefighters do to protect people.

 

 

Protect Your Family from Carbon Monoxide

 

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It can come from fuel-burning appliances, generators, and other equipment.

 

To protect your family:

 

●    Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.

●    Have your heating systems, chimneys, and vents checked regularly.

●    Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove inside your home, garage, or basement.

●    Never use a gas oven or stove to heat your home.

●    Keep heating equipment and vents clear.

 

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and confusion. If you think carbon monoxide is in your home, get everyone outside into fresh air immediately and call 911.

 

 

Make Sure Everyone Is Included in Your Plan

 

Not everyone can escape a fire in the same way. Some people may need extra help, including young children, older adults, and people with disabilities.

 

When making your escape plan, think about how you can help everyone in your household get out safely. For example, someone who is deaf or hard of hearing may need a special alarm, while someone with mobility difficulties may need assistance leaving the home.

 

Practicing together helps everyone feel more prepared.

 

 

How the Red Cross Helps

 

The American Red Cross works with communities to help families stay safe from home fires. Through its Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross and its partners help install free smoke alarms, teach families about fire safety, and create home fire escape plans.

 

The Red Cross also helps families after a home fire by providing support, emergency assistance, and information about recovery resources.

 

 

Start Preparing Today

 

Fire Prevention Week is a great reminder that a little preparation can help protect your family. You do not have to wait for a fire to happen before taking action.

 

Take a few minutes today to:

 

●    Test your smoke alarms.

●    Check your fire escape plan.

●    Practice a two-minute fire drill.

●    Learn how to prevent kitchen fires.

●    Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do during an emergency. For more information about fire safety and Red Cross resources, visit redcross.org/fire.

Written by: Amarachi Arize-Nwokoye, Communications Volunteer, American Red Cross of WNY