Regular readers of my blog know that my oldest brother is a firefighter stationed on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. I just spoke to him two days ago, and like many of our conversations, this latest one segued into an exchange that went something like this:
Me: “Have you been reading my blogs?”
My Brother: “Have you written any on fire safety?”
Actually, he is only half-kidding in asking me that question. My brother is very passionate about his job. (Translation: He is constantly inundating my family with tips on preventing house fires and providing us with steps we can take to stay safe in the event of a house fire.) I know he means well and I suppose I really have no good excuse not to write this blog. As someone who risks his own life to rescue others from burning buildings, I can see why my brother thinks this blog is long overdue.
So without further adieu, the following is a list no home should be without. They are tips that the Honolulu Fire Department (and every other Fire Department throughout the world) requests you take to help your family survive a house fire. (My brother suggests the list should be posted in a prominent area of your home so that every member of your household can see it.)
· One smoke detector is not enough. Every household needs a smoke detector outside of each sleeping area and also on every level of the house, including the basement.
· Test smoke detectors once a month. The idea that you should only test your smoke detector and replace the batteries when you change your clocks (“Fall” back-“Spring” forward) is a bad one. (Besides, there are areas of the country, including Hawaii where the clocks never change.) Always keep new batteries on hand and replace them twice a year, even if it isn’t necessary. Teach your children about smoke detectors. Let them help test the detectors, so they recognize the alarm.
· Teach children that if they find a box of matches, they should not touch them. Instead tell them they should notify an adult of the matchbox’s location.
· Purchase a fire extinguisher and make sure someone in your household is trained to use it. The ideal place for the extinguisher is in the kitchen.
· Draw a simple picture of your home. Plan at least two escape routes and come up with two ways to get out of every room. Decide who will take charge of each child. Show children who live in high-rise buildings the shortest route to a safe exit. Warn them not to use the elevator.
· Conduct a home fire drill at least twice a year, and do it at night—the time when most deadly fires occur.
· Pick a safe place outside to meet family members after escaping from your burning home. Do not try to put out the fire yourself and do not go back inside for any reason.
· Is your address number located on the front of your house? Are the numbers large enough so that they can be easily seen from the street during the day and night? This is very important in case the driver of a fire truck or ambulance needs to find your house quickly. House numbers can be purchased at hardware stores.
Real fires spread quickly. In a few minutes your whole house could be engulfed in flames and temperatures can exceed 600 degrees. You may not be able to breathe or see anything. Cover your mouth and nose. Crawl low under the smoke to the nearest exit. And once you are out, stay out. There’s nothing more important in your home than you.