Does your family know what to do in case of a fire? Do you ever practice fire drills at home? Who is responsible for your pets during a fire? It is better to be prepared in case of a fire than to be left scrambling, not knowing who is where or what to do. Every family should do the following:
1. Plan your escape route. Draw out a map of how to get out & where to go during a fire. Make sure you plan for different escape route locations in your house. Also include a plan on how to get any pets, small kids, or anyone who requires help to get out of the house safely as well.
2. Choose an outside meeting place. Where is everyone going to meet up once they get out safely? You don't want to be too close to your house when it's on fire so pick a spot either across the street or a little ways down the block for all your family members to meet up so you know they are safe.
3. Practice home fire drills. Schools have several drills a year so why don't you have at least one at home? Practicing what to do in case of a fire is a great way to figure out if your escape route works & if any changes need to be made.
4.Test your smoke alarms. When's the last time you replaced their batteries? When's the last time you replaced the whole alarm? Do you even have smoke detectors? Now is a good time to test your alarms & replace as needed.
5. Stop, Drop, & Roll. Teach your family what to do in case the fire gets too close to them.