Fire Prevention and Safety Basics: You’d Be Surprised Who Doesn’t Follow Them
Many of us learned about forest fires in our youth from Smokey the Bear. We also received lectures from the local fire department, were subject to scary fire prevention and safety films, and also were taught at home about escape methods.
Yet, despite our well-intentioned indoctrination, we still have trouble following fire safety and prevention rules.
What is the Main Fire Prevention and Safety Rule?
Sadly, about 3,000 people in the U.S. die annually in residential fires. In an interview with Trusted Choice during Fire Prevention Month, 20-year Grand Chute, WI Fire Department, Local 3655 veteran Lieutenant Brad Paltzer, he mentioned that 2/3 of residential fatalities occur in homes without working smoke detectors.
Is your house up-to-date with smoke detectors? You’d probably be surprised at how easy it is to forget about such an important topic.
You should always follow the installation and maintenance instructions from your smoke detector manufacturer.
In addition, most experts advise to check your smoke alarms monthly and to change your batteries on all devices at least twice a year, more if you detect a problem.
Any Additional Advice on Smoke Detectors?
Just having WORKING smoke detectors cuts down on your death rate by almost 50 percent. To make sure your house is adequately equipped, make sure there are detectors on every floor.
If possible, an alarm should be located in each bedroom. Detectors should be placed around all sleeping areas in a house. Also, detectors need to be put in the center of a ceiling. If placed on a wall then the detector should remain 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling.
Why You Should Consider a Fire Sprinkler
One basic element of fire prevention that is often overlooked is fire sprinklers. Many home owners think this option is too expensive to have. Inexpensive, yet effective sprinkler systems are available and in budget. I advise everyone to look further at this preventative measure.
What Other Considerations Should I Think About?
If you have kids, proper fire safety and prevention education is vital for a safe and happy home. Also, having a planned out escape route in case a fire happens is also very important for families.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to accomplishing a fire safety plan. In accordance with what children are taught at school and learned at home about prevention and safety measures, double reassurance doesn’t hurt anyone.
Contact Information is Important
Unfortunately, many 4th and 5th graders don’t know their full addresses and telephone numbers. These were vital everyday lessons taught to preschoolers in the past and should be re-popularized in child-raising today.
Talk to your kids daily about it and have him or her memorize the information. Put the information in a spot where your child sees it frequently for better memory skills.
