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Would you know what to do if a fire started?

Would you know what to do if a fire started in your home? Would your kids? Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips so your family will be prepared in the event of a fire emergency in your home.

Fires can strike anywhere at any time. The best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn't break out in the first place. That means you should always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Preparing and practising a plan of action will help you act quickly if there's a fire in your home and it could even save your life.

Along with installing smoke detectors in your home, you should have a fire extinguisher in key areas such as the kitchen, bedrooms, office space and the garage. Walk your family through a fire drill so everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of fire. When you make an escape plan, involve everyone who lives in your home, including children, older or disabled people and any lodgers.

Every room in the house should have at least two escape exits. If one of these is a window from a second story, install ladders that can be dropped from the windows. Make sure children know where the family will reunite if they have to leave the house in case of a fire.

Tips for fire safety in your home

The most important part of fire safety preparation is making an escape plan. The best escape route is often the normal way in and out of your home so think of any difficulties you may have getting out, for example at night you may need to have a torch to light your way. Then choose a second escape route, in case the first one is blocked. Keep all exits clear of obstructions, like bicycles and if there are children, older or disabled people or pets, plan how you will get them out.

The first priority is to keep people safe by getting them out of the building. If you can't escape, you'll need to find a room to take refuge in. This is especially important if you have difficulty moving around or going downstairs on your own. If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room. Choose a room with a window try to put cushions, towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block smoke. Open the window and call for help. Think about which room might be best for this as you need a window that can be opened and, if possible, a phone for calling 997.

Decide where the keys to doors and windows should be kept and always keep them there. Make sure everyone in your household knows where they are. Once you have made your plan, go through it with everyone in the household. You could also put a reminder of what to do in a fire somewhere where it will be seen regularly, like on the fridge door. Put your address by the phone so that children can read it out to the emergency services.

Make sure you have "walked through" the plan with everyone in your household. Regularly remind everyone of what to do, and what not to do, in the event of a fire.

Fire safety in a high-rise building

Living above the first floor doesn't necessarily make you any more at risk from a fire. High-rise apartments are built to be fire-proof. Walls, ceilings and doors will hold back flames and smoke. Most of your planning should be the same as homes at ground level, but there are some key differences.

Firstly, you won't be able to use the lift if there's a fire, so choose an escape route that takes this into account. Count how many doors there are on the route to get to the stairs when you can't use the lift, in case you can't find your way. Make sure stairways and fire escapes are kept clear of all obstructions and that fire doors are never locked. It is important to regularly check that you can open the doors to stairways or escapes from both sides. If there's a fire elsewhere in the building, you are usually safest in your own flat, unless heat or smoke is affecting you. If you are affected, you should get out, stay out and call 997.

Comments

Austine

23 May 2012

This is very nice, I have learnt alot of things from here . Thanks.

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