Most people don’t spend much time thinking about the likelihood of a fire at home. Yet, they are more common than bushfires and kill more people per year. It’s worth spending a few moments considering your options and taking the right steps to prevent the issue.
It’s a good idea to visit your local fire safety equipment suppliers and get the essentials, a fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, fire blankets, and even consider fire curtains. They can literally save your life.
You should also use the following 5 steps to create a home evacuation plan. Remember, if a fire does happen in your home then everyone needs to get out and stay out.
- Draw Your Home
The first step is to create a plan of your home. Of course, you know the layout and probably don’t think you’ll have an issue getting out. But, you shouldn’t underestimate the devastating effect smoke can have. It will blind you, prevent you from breathing properly, and turn you about.
A plan of your home will allow you to establish the escape routes and know exactly where to go.
- Establish To Routes Per Room
Every room in the house should have two escape routes. While most fires start in the kitchen or at the fuse box, they can start anywhere. The first escape route from a room should be the main route, the path you would normally take.
The second should look at other safe ways of getting out, perhaps through a window or to a different door.
It’s important to walk the route as you plan it, this will ensure there are no forgotten obstacles. You can also count steps as it may help you to keep your bearings during a fire.
- Consider Disabilities
Even if your entire family is able-bodied you never know who may be in your house when a fire starts. You need to spend a little time considering how a disabled person would be able to get out of your home.
This will allow you to create their escape route or try to help them; if necessary and possible.
- Safe Meeting Place
Getting out is important but you’ll all want to know you’re out safely. That means choosing a meeting point close enough to the house for everyone to get to quickly but also safe. Choose a spot in your yard or the street.
You’ll be able to verify that everyone is out safely or who is missing.
- Practice
Potentially the most important part of the plan is to practice. This will ensure everyone can get out of both escape routes and practice will help everyone to know instinctively what to do if a fire actually happens.
This will reduce the likelihood of panic and increase the chances of everyone escaping safely.
Remember, your possessions can be replaced but your lives can’t, don’t waste time taking things with you. Once you’re out you can contact the fire service and warn neighbors if necessary.