Tips: Fire Safety
Less than 25 percent of U.S. families have developed and practiced a plan for exiting the home safely in case of a fire according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Adults practice fire drills at work, and children practice them at school, but the reality is that most deadly and frequent fires occur in the home. In 2006, NFPA notes nearly 3,500 fire fatalities were reported in the U.S., and most of those fatalities -- 80 percent -- occurred in homes.
"Taking a few minutes now to reduce potential fire hazards and plan and practice a home fire safety escape route can help you protect what's most important-your loved ones," said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella fire safety educator.
Many home fires occur as temperatures drop and families spend more time indoors, lighting candles and fires, and using heating, cooking and other appliances. Most home cooking fires occur when ovens, stoves or other appliances are left unattended in use. For greater safety, never leave appliances unattended when cooking.
The top 10 steps to fire safety featured in Pella's Close the door on fire! program are:
1. Have a plan. Draw a floor plan of each level of your home. Download a grid from http://www.pella.com/resources/pdf/FireEscapeGrid.pdf. Pick a meeting place a safe distance outside your home for everyone to gather in the event of a fire.
2. Identify two exits. Designate two exits from every room in your home -- a door and a window. Make sure doors and windows open quickly and easily to help ensure a quick exit; if not, consider replacing them for safety's sake.
3. Use smoke alarms. Install working smoke alarms in or near every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test alarms monthly, change batteries regularly, and replace alarms every 10 years for greater safety.
4. Make a quick exit. Keep escape routes to doors and windows free of clutter and furniture to help prevent falls and permit a quick exit if necessary.
5. Test the alarm. Sound smoke alarms when household members are awake so everyone knows what they sound like and what to do in the event of an emergency. Test the alarm when family members are sleeping, and if they don't awaken easily, assign someone to awaken sound sleepers in the event of an emergency.
6. Know the number. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to call emergency personnel.
7. Give yourself an out. In the event of fire, choose the closest and safest exit route to get out quickly and stay out. Avoid going through smoke or flames if possible.
8. Stay low and go. To escape from a burning home, crawl out quickly on your hands and knees to help avoid smoke and fumes near the floor.
9. Once you're out, stay out. NEVER go back into a burning building. Stay safe. Go to your designated meeting place safely outside your home and call for help.
10. Practice. Practice your home fire escape plan with everyone in your home at least twice a year.