Protecting your family from possible dangers in the home is naturally a top priority for anyone, and fire risks are some of the most well-known and prudent to consider here. While home fires can be incredibly dangerous and damaging, there are also a number of well-known, well-tested methods that will keep you and your family safe from fire risks at all times in the home.
At Incognitoes, we're here to provide a wide range of in-home fire extinguishers and decorative covers for various needs, helping fill one of the most important needs for fire safety in any home. Especially as we head into the coolest parts of the year where people spend the most time indoors, proper fire safety is vital for the entire family. Here are some basic tips, both in the fire extinguisher realm and otherwise, for keeping your family safe this year.
Smoke Alarm Quantity and Placement
Smoke alarms are one of your best lines of defense against fire dangers. Make sure to have enough smoke alarms in your home - at a minimum, one on each floor. Ideally, you should have one in every bedroom as well for maximum coverage.
It's important to place the alarms correctly too: Aim for spots near doors and windows, as well as unobstructed by furniture or appliances. If you have a hard time hearing alarms while sleeping or for those with hearing impairments, there are also specialty alarms that use strobe lights and vibrations to alert you.
Teaching the Family About Smoke Alarms
Down related lines, once you have smoke alarms in place, it's vital to go over proper use and maintenance with the whole family. Teach them how they work and what to do if one goes off - this might include having a designated meeting spot outside where everyone meets up.
You should also test your smoke alarms every month, changing the batteries at least once per year (do so during daylight savings time for an easy reminder).
Proper Extinguisher Presence - And Training
Fire extinguishers are another vital part of your fire safety arsenal, and it's important to have them on each floor for maximum coverage. Check the expiry dates and replace if they've expired - not only do expired extinguishers lose their effectiveness, but they can also be a threat themselves if used during a fire.
You should also train your family members on how to use an extinguisher in case of emergency - the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method is a great one to teach. Be sure to call 911 before using an extinguisher and only attempt to use it if the fire is small and contained.
Escape Plan and Communication
While a fire is quite unlikely if you've taken the steps mentioned above, it's still important to have a plan in case one does occur. Involve the whole family in creating an escape plan, including multiple exit routes from each room.
You should also designate a family member or two to be in charge of helping elderly or disabled members of the household during an emergency - you can practice this route with them as well. Additionally, establish a communication plan in case family members get separated during an emergency.
Practicing the Plan
While this may seem like overkill to some, practicing your escape plan with the whole family is a great way to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Make it fun and interactive for younger children - this will help them remember the plan better.
One important part of this plan that you should make sure children are familiar with is calling 9-1-1 and giving their address in case of an emergency. This can be a difficult task for young children, so practicing it beforehand can greatly help in a real-life situation.
Stop, Drop and Roll
Finally, it's important to remember the basic safety technique of stop, drop and roll in case of a fire. Teach this to your children at an early age and practice it regularly so they know what to do if their clothes catch on fire.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared for any potential fire risks in your home. Remember, prevention is key but it's also important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
And at Incognitoes, we're here to help with all your fire safety needs. Check out our range of products to keep you and your family safe at all times. Stay safe!
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