5 Steps to a Home Fire Safety Plan

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Did you know you may have just two minutes to exit your home in the event of a fire?

According to a recent survey by the American Red Cross, many have a false sense of security when it comes to fire safety, with some believing they have as much as 10 minutes to leave their home if a fire breaks out. Most parents believe their children know what to do in case of fire, despite only half discussing fire safety with their families—just 10 percent of families have actually practiced home fire drills, and only about 25 percent have identified a safe place where family members can meet outside the home, the survey found.

To keep your family safe from home fires, the Red Cross advises the following tips:

• Test your smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries when needed.
• Develop a fire escape plan and practice it several times a year and at different times of day.
• Ensure there are two ways to get out of every room and consider escape ladders for sleeping areas or homes on the second floor or above.
• Pick a place outside of the home for everyone to meet and make sure everyone knows where it is.
• Practice the home fire drill until everyone in the household can do it in less than two minutes.

Source: American Red Cross

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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