BE PREPARED FOR HOME FIRES!

4/29/2016 (Permalink)

According to redcross.org, 60% of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. In the event of a home fire, working smoke alarms in conjunction with a practiced fire escape plan can save lives by allowing families to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

The following are tips regarding the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors:

• Install smoke detectors on every level of the home.

• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen and at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to avoid false alarms.

• Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month.

• Batteries should be replaced in all smoke alarms at least once a year.

• All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.

In addition to working smoke alarms, a family escape plan is also important to home fire safety and everyone in the household should be involved in the planning process. The following are guidelines when creating a home fire escape plan:

• Make sure that all family members know two ways to escape from each room of the home.

• Have a designated meeting place outside for all family members in the event of a fire.

• Practice the escape plan at least twice a year and at different times of the day.

• Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling, and meeting outside.

While home fires can be terrifying, working smoke alarms in addition to a practiced escape plan play a vital role in reducing fire deaths.