Avoiding Personal Injury – Fire Safety at Home

The following article is being re-posted here to provide possible life saving information in case of a fire.
This website and article were brought to my attention by a volunteer at a youth center with a health and safety program and the students in her group. Thank you for helping those around you be aware and prepared!

Originally written by Carey Davis (https://www.dandalaw.com/resources/fire-safety-before-during-after/)

House fires in the U.S. are devastating disasters. In 2016, there were over 1,389,000 fires resulting in 17,500 injuries and over 3,000 deaths. While some of these fires are unavoidable, others could have been prevented entirely by ensuring proper home maintenance and safety.

Prevention is the first step when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from home fires. Smoke detectors and alarms are often the first line of defense, as these devices will alert your family to a fire so that you have time to escape safely. Families are also encouraged to develop escape routes, to discuss these routes with their children, and to run practice drills so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an actual fire.

You should also be sure to check your home to be sure that it is free of hazards. Check your electrical appliances for frayed cords, and ensure that you make regular inspections. Space heaters are major hazards for home fires, so it is important to keep them out of walking paths and away from both pets and children.

If the unthinkable happens and you do experience a home fire, it is important to follow your escape plan. If it is safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Call 911 and ensure that all of your family members are able to exit the home safely.

 Fire Prevention Tips and Escape Plans

It is important to take steps to ensure that a fire doesn’t result from your negligence, so be sure to remove clutter and verify that your home is properly maintained. Creating a proper escape plan is also vital. Determining how you will get out in the event of a fire will minimize the chance of personal injury.

  What to Do in the Event of an Actual Fire

If your home starts on fire, it is important to act quickly to make sure that everyone in the home is alerted about the fire. Follow your escape plan, and ensure that all family members have managed to get out safely. If your escape route is blocked, find an alternative method to leave, and stay low to the ground to avoid smoke and heat.

What to do After a House Fire

After a fire, your family’s safety should be your top priority. During this time, you’ll begin to survey the damage, and many of your items may have been destroyed by flames, smoke, water, and heat. The cleanup and recovery process will take both time and patience, and it is important to use caution when working around your home to ensure that you aren’t injured due to unsafe conditions.

       

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