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.
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
