House Fire Preparedness

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Learn About Fires

• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan.  Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

• Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
• A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
• Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
• Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

• Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
• Test batteries monthly.
• Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

Smoke Alarm Safety for People with Access or Functional Needs

• Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that they can listen to instructions or voices of others.
• Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
• Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.

More Fire Safety Tips

• Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
• Sleep with your door closed.
• Contact your local fire department for information on training on the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers.
• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.

What to do Before a House Fire

What to do During a House Fire

What to do After a House Fire

How to Prevent a House Fire

All information above is from the FEMA and Ready.gov website.

Quick Series – Fire Safety & Emergency Action Plans 24-Pages Guide

 

 

Know how to keep you and your family safe by learning the keys to fire safety!

• Smoke alarm basics
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• Recovering after a fire
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Quick Series – ”Safety at Home” 32-Page Guide

Your home is your sanctuary; keeping it safe for yourself and your family should be your number one priority. Learn how to protect those you love by preventing off-duty mishaps in your home.

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• Electrical safety
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For more information and resources on Fire Preparedness, please visit the web sites below.

US Department of Homeland Security – FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

Ready Gov
http://www.ready.gov/