No matter the size of your home or apartment, you should always be prepared for a fire. Each year, an average of more than 2,500 civilians lose their lives to home fires in the United States. Thus, it is easy to say that fires are very costly both in the lives lost and the amount of financial damage. So, what can you do to ensure that your family and home are protected? Here are a few tips to apply to become better prepared for this type of emergency.
Be Prepared
If there is one thing to remember when it comes to house fires, it is to try and always be prepared. Contrary to what television and movies show, fire can spread really fast. Thus, it is important to develop an emergency plan with your family about the ways you are going to escape your home. You only have two minutes to get out of the house once a smoke detector goes off. In fact, most fire fatalities are not caused by the fire but rather smoke inhalation. Make sure this plan is practiced at least twice a year to familiarize yourself with obstacles and changes to the home.
An Ounce of Prevention
What’s better than an escape plan? A preventive plan that can save you from even having to use your emergency plan in the first place. It is highly recommended to test your smoke detectors at least three times a year as you never know when batteries are going to stop working or be used up. Other things to keep in mind are the inspection of devices and appliances that give off heat, such as the oven. Checking connecting cords and flammable products for defects should also be taken into consideration.
First-Aid and Necessity Kits
Although your first priority is to get yourself and your family out of the home when there’s a suspected fire, you should also think about your necessities after you’ve escaped. You may accomplish this by having a first-aid/necessity kit on the ready. This kit can include cash, clothing, baby essentials if you have an infant, and first aid supplies, to name a few items. Keep this bag near your door so that you can quickly grab it on your way out.
Home fires are, unfortunately, very common. Therefore, it is vital to follow the tips above in order to have not only an emergency plan in place but also to take potentially life-saving preventive measures.
Here’s another article you might like: 5 Ways to Protect Your Family’s Finances Going Into Retirement
