Planning for a Fire

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

We all know that we should plan and practice our escape route when we have a house fire but we tend to get lazy when we don't plan to practice. Practice time needs to be scheduled. Even if it's scheduled when you change your smoke detector batteries twice year. Use the time when we change clocks back to do both. Battery change and escape route practice.

Now did you plan for things to happen to your plan. Maybe something has blocked your escape route? Think ahead to things that might happen. Keep a phone next to your bed to dial 911. Keep shoes next to your bed to escape with. Keep a fire blanket under the bed. Try to think ahead for anything that will help with obstacles. 

You should have a checklist when you leave the house or go to bed. 

Things on this list might be:

Check to make sure stove is off and clear of anything flammable.

Make sure your space heater is off and unplugged. Electrical appliances draw current and if there is a faulty plug, there could be a fire. There should also always be 3 feet clearance around the heater. 

If you are a smoker, smoke outside. This will cut the risk of having a stray ash start a fire. 

Check your dryer vents to make sure they are clean. Do not leave the dryer running when your leaving the house or going to bed. 

Be safe and smart. Make your own list of safety checks. There are many more you can add.

Lastly, make sure your house number can be seen from the road for emergency responders.

When you are safe and ready, call SERVPRO of Washington County!