In 2013, more than 2,700 people died and an additional 12,000+ were injured as the result of a home structure fire, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Many of these deaths and injuries could have possibly been prevented if the residents of the home had a proper fire emergency plan in place.
Let’s help you ensure your home and family are ready for a fire emergency by going over door security, window security, what to do with children and more.
Smoke Alarms
It’s a good idea to start with the devices that will detect the fire happening in the first place. Make sure you have the right number of smoke alarms installed throughout your home (aim for 30 feet or so between detectors or refer to your local ordinances) and that the batteries for all are in working order. Test your smoke alarms at least monthly and replace the batteries yearly. Carbon monoxide detectors aren’t a bad idea, either.
Windows and Doors
There are multiple ways windows and doors are involved in the fire emergency plan. For one, the materials and design of the window or door may not be ideal for fire suppression (e.g. pet door installed in the garage door, thin window material, etc.). Second, you need to make sure at least one or two windows and doors are easily unlocked. If you’re going to evaluate the safety of your windows and doors, start on the first level of your home. You might also want to consider having a residential locksmith do a walkthrough to identify any potential problems.
Children and Elderly
Certain members of the family might need more instruction and help than others. If you have children, make sure they know the fire emergency plan and that you practice it with them. Have procedures in place that the kids know by heart and be ready to help any elderly family members if there’s a fire emergency. (It’s also helpful to keep clutter out of the way.)
Communication and Practice
Finally, make sure everyone in the family is on the same page, has practiced the fire emergency drill and knows who to contact if there’s an urgent issue. Everyone should know how to dial 911 and it’s a good idea to set up a designated family meeting spot. Be sure to have a family member or neighbor you can rely on if you’re forced to exit your home.
If you’d like to ensure your home is ready for a fire emergency, contact A-1 Locksmith today and we’ll answer your questions or schedule a time to come by for an on-site assessment.
