Tina Frances was awakened one night by the screeching sound of a smoke alarm. Terrified, she quickly called 911. “I never thought I’d lose my home to a fire,” Frances said. “I’m just thankful that I heard the smoke alarm.”
Like Frances, most people never expect their home to catch fire. However, the National Fire Protection Association reports that in the year 2000, there were more than 350,000 home fires in the United States, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and 17,000 injuries--over 500 of those deaths were children.
Understanding Safety For The Home Is Imperative
Having properly working smoke detectors and a well-practiced escape plan can save the life of your loved ones.
Family Ideas For Preventing Fires
More home fires occur in the kitchen than any other room in the house. The bedrooms and living room rank second and third. To help prevent a fire from starting in your home, discuss the following tips with your entire family:
- Never leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended.
- Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture or other flammable objects. Never leave them on when you go to sleep or while you are in another room.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep candles away from items that can catch fire.
Family Ideas For Surviving A Fire
Studies have proven that during a home fire, having functional smoke alarms can increase your chance of survival by 50%. While most homes have at least one smoke alarm, one in four of those alarms will fail during a fire.
How many smoke alarms should you have in your home? Smoke alarms should be installed outside of each separate sleeping area, inside each bedroom, and on every floor of your home, including the basement. Test the alarms once a month to make sure they work properly--this is easily done by pushing the test button. Batteries should be replaced once a year. Smoke alarms last an average of ten years; after that, they should be replaced, even if they seem to be working properly.
Most fire deaths are a result of smoke inhalation--not from burns. Fires produce poisonous gases that can quickly spread throughout a home. In most cases, you will only have a few minutes to get outside before being overcome by smoke. It's easy for anyone, especially children, to panic or become confused in the smoke. Often during a fire, children will hide in a closet or under beds. It is crucial to have an escape plan, making sure adults and children know how to get outside during a fire.
Discuss at least two ways to escape each room and specify a safe place in front of the house for family members to meet. Having a meeting place will let you know that everyone has gotten out safely. Once outside, never go back inside a burning building!