Fire safety is an often-neglected topic in households. You teach kids about fire alarms and warn them of the dangers of fires and heat-producing appliances, but you may never take the time to plan what would happen if there were a fire in your home.
A complete plan is more than realizing you need to get out in case of a fire. You should have a complete escape route, meeting place, and a plan for what to do next, so talk to your family and solidify your plans today!
Do a Walk-Through
The first step is to complete a walk-through of your home with every member of your family. Examine each room individually and make sure that each has 2 exits (a window and a door) with a clear path. Make sure everyone knows how to open the windows. Some are more difficult than others, but you should have a way to get it open in case of emergency, including emergency releases indoors for security bars.
In addition, your walk-through should include a look at the smoke alarms. You should make sure there is one near each area where people sleep and near the kitchen and living room. Test these once a month and replace smoke alarm batteries every 6 months.
Make Plans for Those Who Need Assistance
Some people may need a little extra help with the fire escape plan. Assign a designated person to assist an infant or a person with a disability. Make sure everyone in the family, including the smallest children, know how to call the fire department, and go over it with them frequently!
Know What to Do Next
Everyone in the family should agree upon what will be done when people are out of the home. There should be a meeting place like a separate mailbox or street sign away from the home. Let people know they should go to a neighbor’s house if they need to call the fire department and not to stray from the meeting place unless it is necessary.
Contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney and fireplace services in Minneapolis, MN or for more help with your family’s fire escape plan.