Home Safety - Part 1

How much thought have you given to your family’s reaction in the event of a real-life emergency? Most of you realize that I take ALL of your safety in consideration at SBBW and not just physical attacks.  For the next few months I will review ideas for you to discuss and plan with your family.  The first event is: FIRE!

Fire departments in the US responded to approximately 384,000 home fires in 2010. No one can pinpoint any one cause for you to be weary of in your home.  All you can do is plan for a number of “just in cases”.

For example, today many home owners keep a fire extinguisher in their kitchens.  GREAT IDEA! But what if you were in bed and the fire has already started up the stairs completely cutting off your exit to the front door?  What would you do? 

The great news is fire extinguishers are fairly cheap today.  Maybe you should consider purchasing another one or three to be placed in the master bedroom and other accessible spots on the upper level.

Have you considered what will you do or your children do if a fire cuts off your access to them?  Have you taught your children how to respond in the event of  a fire?  Do your children know how to operate the fire extinguisher? Do they have accessible escape ladders in their rooms in case of a fire?  I can easily imagine some parents concern that their children will use the escape ladder to slip out of their bedroom windows, but is the alternative worth the risk?  I hope you make the right decision for your family.

What is the plan in case you and your children are separated after a fire?  Do you have a central meeting point where everyone is expected to gather once they are safe?  Do you have neighbors you can trust for the safety of your children in case you are injured?  Have you discussed these options with your children and your neighbors? Do your children know to touch a door to check for excessive heat indicating a fire on the other side?

I have covered some broad strokes here, so let me break down where you might want to begin:

• Make an escape plan! Keep it simple, but have more than one option in case the original route has been cut off.
• Establish a Central Meeting Point to be used after an incident.
• Review the plan at least every three (3) months, if not more often.
• Teach your children to properly use fire extinguishers.
• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors.  Replace dead batteries or broken units immediately.
• Teach your children and practice touching a door to check for a fire on the other side before opening the door.
• Purchase fire extinguishers to place in strategic areas on the upper level of your home (master bedroom, hall closet, linen closet, etc.).
• If you do not have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, please purchase one immediately.  If you have one, please check it to ensure it is full charged.

Please remember these are only a FEW ideas of things to make your family a bit safer.  Please use the following and other websites to learn more:  www.nfpa.org or www.mariettaga.gov/city/fire.  Your family's safety is in your hands.  Please do not hesitate to ensure you all remain safe.

Continue to love your family as our SBBW family grows together!

(NOTE:  Instructor Smith is NOT a fire prevention expert.  The blog is his opinion and an accumulation of articles he has read and seminars he has attended.  Heed this advice at your own risk.)