Fire safety is one of those things most of us know is important, but it’s also easy to put off.
We have smoke alarms. There’s probably a fire extinguisher somewhere in the house. We’ve talked to the kids about what to do in an emergency.
But when was the last time you actually checked any of it?
Fire Prevention Week is a good reminder to take a few minutes and make sure your home and family are prepared.
A few years ago, our own Whitney sat down with her dad to talk about simple ways families can help prevent fires at home. And he knows a thing or two about the subject — he’s been a firefighter for more than 30 years.
The advice they shared wasn’t complicated. In fact, many of the most important fire-safety steps are simple things we can all do at home.
Start With Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
When was the last time you tested your smoke alarms?
Take a few minutes to walk through your home and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Check their age and replace batteries or alarms when needed.
It’s a small task that can be easy to forget, but early warning can make a significant difference during an emergency.
Know Where Your Fire Extinguishers Are
Having a fire extinguisher is a great start. Knowing where it is and how to use it is even better.
Make sure your extinguishers are easy to access and that the adults in your home know where they are located. Take a minute to look at the instructions and check the extinguisher itself.
An emergency isn’t the time you want to be searching through a cabinet or reading the directions for the first time.
Have a Fire Escape Plan
If a fire started in your home tonight, would everyone know what to do?
Talk as a family about how you would get out of the house. Identify possible exits and choose a meeting place outside where everyone knows to go.
If you have children, make sure they understand the plan too. Practicing it together can help everyone know what to do if there’s ever a real emergency.
And once you’re outside, stay outside and call 911.
Don’t Forget About Everyday Fire Risks
Fire prevention isn’t only about preparing for an emergency. It’s also about preventing one in the first place.
Take a quick look around your home for some of the things that can easily be overlooked. Damaged electrical cords, overloaded outlets, unattended candles, cooking appliances, space heaters, and fireplaces can all create additional risks when they’re not used properly.
Sometimes simply slowing down and noticing what’s around us can prevent a much bigger problem.
Five Minutes Today Could Matter Later
None of us expect a fire to happen in our home. That’s exactly why these simple safety steps are so easy to put off.
This Fire Prevention Week, take five minutes and ask yourself:
Are we prepared?
Test the alarms. Find the extinguisher. Talk about the escape plan. Pick your meeting spot.
Hopefully, you’ll never need any of it.
But if you do, you’ll be glad you took the time.
Have questions about how your homeowners insurance protects you after a fire? We’re always here to help.
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