This article will discuss how to keep fires from injuring or killing you and your family members. In this article, there will be information on fire prevention, firefighting techniques, and evacuation methods.
During power blackouts, such as with Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, the traditional methods of lighting and heating a house will not be available. Thus, people will turn to methods such as candles, space heaters, and fireplaces, all of which increase the risk of fire. Even if all family members are careful to prevent fires, they still can be victimized by fires that have spread from other houses or apartments. Furthermore, firefighters will be overextended due to the increased number of fires.
To prevent fires, family members should use:
1. Battery powered lights instead of using candles.
2. Space heaters safely.
3. Fireplaces safely.
To fight fires effectively, family members must:
1. Know the locations of all the fire extinguishers in their house.
2. Make sure all fire extinguishers are fully charged.
3. Know how to use fire extinguishers effectively.
To evacuate safely, family members must:
1. Have available fire escape ladders for upper story rooms.
2. Know that they should crawl low to avoid smoke and heat.
3. Realize that they should check doors and not open them if they are hot to their touch.
4. Keep exits clear of any obstructions that would make quick exits difficult.
5. All know the designated meeting place outside the home so that a family member will not reenter the flaming house to rescue a family member who is outside already, but not with the other family members.
These safety procedures can be lifesavers, not only during power blackouts, but during any day or night of the year when a fire could occur.
Have you ever been through a fire? What was your experience like?
