Fires can happen quickly and escalate just as fast. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. Because of this, it is vital to create a fire safety plan to protect your family in case of an emergency; preparing yourself and your loved ones with what to do in a moment of panic could save lives. Below we have listed some steps that you can take to create a fire safety plan for your home.
Sit down and create a plan with your family
Your entire family should be part of the fire safety process. Not only is it critical that everyone knows the plan, but other family members might see things that you miss. To start, walk through your home and inspect all exits and escape routes. Make sure that doors and windows can be easily opened.
If you have children, it is recommended to draw up a floor plan and mark two exits out of each room. You can also mark where the smoke detectors are in the house on your floor plan.
Smoke alarms are a critical component of every fire safety plan
Your fire safety plan starts with multiple smoke detectors throughout your home. Install a smoke detector in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. The more alarms you have, the sooner everyone can get out of the house. Test these once a month and change the batteries at least once a year.
Create a designated meeting spot
If every household member knows exactly where to meet in case of an emergency, this will make it easier to ensure that everyone is accounted for, especially if each person has a different escape route. Make sure to pick a meeting spot that is a safe distance from your home. Once you have chosen the spot, mark it clearly on the fire escape floor plan.
Call 911 and clearly mark your home
It is important to call 911 as soon as you can. If everyone is not yet at the designated meeting spot, do not re-enter your home to look for them. The fire department is highly trained for this exact situation, so stay put where you are at your safe spot.
A great proactive step that you can take is to clearly mark your house number so that it is visible from the road. Whether it is marked on the curb, your mailbox, or both, emergency vehicles need to be able to quickly identify which house is yours. This is especially important if the house fire is not visible from the street.
Don’t forget to test your fire safety plan
A fire safety plan is no good if it has flaws. Testing it will highlight any confusing parts and ensure that every family member is on the same page. Acting it out will also help little ones remember what they are supposed to do in the event of a fire.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that every household put it on their calendar and test their fire safety plan twice a year. Test all of your smoke detectors as well and make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date and inspected.
Call True Builders to help with your fire repair needs
If there is a fire, call 911 immediately and follow your fire safety plan. When it comes time to figure out what to do next, contact our team. We have years of experience restoring homes and businesses damaged by fire and smoke. If the unfortunate happens, we will be there to help.
We offer site visits to your residential or commercial property located in Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, FL, or surrounding locations. Call us at (863) 647-1800 so we can begin creating your reconstruction plan.
