How to Prepare For and Prevent a Fire.

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that the actual heat from a fire is more dangerous than the flames?

Room temperature during a fire can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level.

You can scorch your lungs just trying to take a breath. The high temperature will even melt your clothes onto your skin.

PREVENTION

• Install the right number of smoke alarms for your home and test them at least once a month. Batteries should be changed once a year.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Turn off portable heater when unattended.
• Never smoke in bed, when drowsy, or medicated. Douse cigarette buds in water before disposal.
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used. Oxygen can be explosive and will make a fire burn hotter and faster.
• Never use a portable generator indoors. It should also only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.
• Keep items 3 feet in distance from any fire source.

PREPARE

• Teach children what to do when they hear the sound of the smoke alarm.
• In the dark close your eyes and practice feeling your way out of your house.
• Establish two ways to exit each room.
• Create a meeting point for all the members in your family outside of your home.
• Make sure everyone knows how to call 911.
• Make sure windows are easily accessible and screens can be removed quickly.
• Make digital copies of all important documents and records such as a birth certificate.

In the event of a fire; before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If it is hot and/or has smoke coming out of the cracks do not open it. Use your second mode of escape from that room. If clothes catch fire teach everyone to stop, drop and roll. If someone cant drop down you can also take a blanket to smother the flames.