How to Prepare for a House Fire

house-fire-firefighters

Even though most of us equate home with safety, the unexpected might happen. According to Ready.gov in 30 seconds a small flame could grow into a fire. We’ve made a list to help you be prepared in case of a fire at home because knowing what to do makes all the difference. You might only have a couple of minutes to manage an evacuation.

house-fire-preparation-tips

A plan suitable for everyone

The first step is taking into consideration the needs of each person living at home; kids and the elderly require particular attention. Children and seniors in a deep sleep might not wake up to smoke detectors or fire alarm warnings. A responsible adult should be assigned to help these individuals.

Share the plan with all members of the household, young and old:

  • post it on the refrigerator or bulletin board
  • have frequent discussions about it
  • update it whenever changes happen that may affect the plan
  • practice it twice a year, let everyone know ahead of time so that all household members are present

Smoke alarms

Properly functioning smoke alarms are essential and can make the difference between life and death. Special alarms may be installed for the benefit of hearing or sight impaired folks in the household.

It is recommended that alarms are:

  • installed on every level of a home, including hallways
  • inside and outside sleeping areas
  • checked monthly and replaced annually

Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the alarm, it might be best to replace it every 8-10 years.

Locate exits

Find at least two escape routes from each room. Windows are a secondary way to exit; check them regularly to make certain that they are easily unlocked from the inside. Also, consider where each evacuation route leads. How far from the ground is it and is it low enough to jump or will a ladder be required? Make whatever modifications are needed to provide for everyone’s safety.

Designate a meeting place

Identify a safe place outside the house where everyone should meet in the event of an emergency. Make sure each member of the household can quickly reach this place. In the event of a fire, tell first responders about the location upon their arrival.

Get kids involved

The best way for kids to learn how to act in an emergency situation is to involve them during exercises. Look for the Handy Worksheet under #3 in SafeKids’ Top Tips. It will help you map the house with its layout, exit routes, and smoke alarms locations.

  • remind kids not to hide from firefighters
  • drill the ideas of Get Out, Stay Out, Call for Help
  • insist that no one goes back inside, not even for pets, that special blanket or plush “friend”
  • review where to meet outside after evacuating

Safety precautions

Some suggestions that may help in an emergency situation:

  • have a house number sign that can be read easily by passersby may help in cases when smoke is noticeable from the street; it will contribute to identifying the exact house number when calling 911
  • install fire safety Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets that are designed to protect and prevent electrical shocks

Steps if you’re trapped

If all exits are blocked:

  • find the most secure location available inside the house
  • shut door(s) between you and the fire
  • place towels soaked in water under the door(s)
  • breathe through a wet towel
  • call 911 to report your location as soon as possible

Inform

The best preparation plan for a fire at home not only involves you and your household members but also your neighbors and regular visitors. Share with them how you strategize in case they find themselves playing a key role during a home fire.

Although we hope that you never have to face such a situation, it's always best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

You should also have renter’s or homeowner’s insurance to protect your assets. Call one of our agents today at 1-800-INFINITY or visit our website for a free quote.

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The materials available in the Knowledge Center are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact legal counsel to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of this website or any of the links contained within the website do not create representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.