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Fire Do's and Dont's
If there was a fire in your home, or you were at the grocery store with your family, would your children know what to do? Teaching and reviewing fire safety is not only important- it could also save a life. Here are a few pointers to deal with smoke, alarms, and fire.
Do's:
- Learn how to operate a fire extinguisher. There are several varieties, but opertationally they're very similar. Videos are available and there are also resources at school or your local fire station to help.
- If there’s smoke, there may be fire. Teach your children to be aware of location and to also locate fire alarms. It may be scary and noisy, but pulling the fire alarm will alert authorities and alert those in proximity.
- Know at least two ways out of a building- just in case one is blocked or inaccessible.
- Make sure to keep all doorways and exits clear, so you don’t waste time getting away from smoke or fire.
- Take any alarm seriously! Even if it turns out to be a “false alarm,” - better safe than sorry.
- Always choose a meeting place outside your home. If there’s a fire or other emergency, you’ll know where to go to make sure everyone is safe.
- If your clothes catch fire, cover your face and stop, drop and roll.
- Practice, practice, practice. Go through your fire safety plan at least twice yearly. Talk about fire and why you should always be prepared.
- Make certain to dress your kids in fire retardant pajamas.
Dont's
- Store flammable materials near your desk or workspace. Most flammable materials will have a warning on the packaging such as “Flammable,” or “Hazardous.”
- If there’s a fire, smoke, or an alarm, don’t use the elevator. Stairs provide occupants with a safe and fast way to exit a building in case of a fire.
- Don’t hang or suspend anything from a fire sprinkler. This may cause the sprinkler to malfunction and be unable to deliver water.
- Make sure electrical outlets are not overloaded. Plugging in too many electrical items draws more electricity through the system than it was designed to carry. This can create overheating and result in fire.
- Don’t raise a false alarm. Potentially, a false alarm can endanger occupants of a building or area. It’s also against the law.
- For parents, keep lighters and matches away from children. Keep children at least three feet away from stoves or other hot surfaces.
- Never leave a stove or hot appliance unattended.
- Don’t panic. Panic creates confusion. In a scary situation, this could be disastrous.
Bottom line- when teaching your children and loved ones about fire safety, follow the basics. One of the most important rules is that your family should know how to call for help. After all the alarms, safe exits, and preparation, alerting the authorities is one of the most important steps. Teach them to call 911 in the case of a fire emergency.
Children are most at risk when a disaster occurs; children under five are twice as likely as other people to die in a home fire. Many house fires are started by children playing with dangerous household items – such as lighters and matches. Taking precautions and teaching your child how to escape from a fire can help your family avoid this type of heartbreak.
Sources:
https://safekids.org
https://redcross.org
https://verywellfamily.com
https://www.usfa.fema.gov
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