If you have kids, ask them to help you draw up the escape plan. This is a fun way to get kids involved in fire safety planning. You can download a kid-friendly escape plan grid from this page of the National Fire Protection Association website: http://www. nfpa. org/escapeplan. Write your local fire department’s emergency phone number on the plan.
A smoke alarm on every level, and preferably one inside and outside each sleeping area. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month, and their batteries should be changed at least once a year. [3] X Research source At least one all-purpose fire extinguisher. However, although fire extinguishers are important for fire safety, your fire drill plan should focus on escape rather than trying to extinguish the fire. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Fire Protection Association Nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. Go to source Escape ladders, particularly for homes with two or more floors. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Fire Protection Association Nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. Go to source
If anyone in your house is hearing impaired, you can ask your local fire department about non-auditory alarms (for example, alarms that vibrate or flash a bright light). [6] X Research source
A spot across the street or a neighbor’s lawn are good ideas. Pick a specific landmark, like a lamp post or a mailbox. Mark the location you select on your escape plan.
Blow a whistle or set off your smoke alarms, and help your family out quickly and calmly. Practice rolling out of bed and staying low to the floor to avoid inhaling “smoke. ” Close doors behind you to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
If you have small children, allow them to practice the drill a few times before surprising them with a nighttime drill. You can also warn them before they go to bed that there will be a drill during the night. Part of the purpose of the drill is to help everyone remain calm in the event of a real fire emergency, so it is important that the drills are not frightening for young children. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Fire Protection Association Nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. Go to source
Try different escape routes (for example, via the escape ladder, through a window, or through a door). Practice a scenario where no safe escape routes are available. Move to a room where your hypothetical fire has not spread and close all the doors. Put towels under the doors, and seal any cracks around the doors and vents in the room with duct tape. If there are windows in the room, open them slightly to provide ventilation. [10] X Trustworthy Source National Fire Protection Association Nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. Go to source
To get kids thinking about what to do in case of a fire, try a book like No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids by Jean Pendziwol and Martine Gourbault. Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill, by Jamie Harper, can help introduce kids to the concept of a fire drill.
