The home is our Home Sweet Home, a haven for our family and children. But first, we must ensure that it is also the safest place especially when there are little children around. Let the children be aware of the danger and seriousness a fire can create.
Below are some measures to ensure fire safety in your home:
1. Make an outline of an escape route in your home and discuss this with everybody. Make at least two exits for each room.
2. Try to practice going through the exit route blindfolded. The blindfold serves as the difficulty when fire happens at night and when there is smoke. Practice this every two to three months.
3. Ensure that windows are easy to open in case of emergency. Let the family know that they could break the windows in case they would not open during emergencies. Show them what tools to use in breaking them.
4. Keep bedroom doors closed when asleep. The closed door serves as a barrier from smoke and heat. Check for heat before you open it.
5. Replace your smoke detector batteries every year. Replace them during the New Year to make sure you will not forget.
6. Instruct your children how to dial 911. Let them understand that calls to 911 are done only during emergency cases. If they use a cellphone for the call, teach them your home address and post it somewhere they can see easily.
7. The exit routes should be cleared at all times. Before going to bed, clean the area and remove obstructions that might create difficulty in your escape.
8. Plan on a particular area outside of the house where you assemble for a head count. Make sure that everyone understands that once out, stay out.
Some tips on fire prevention:
1. Store flammable items properly, and keep them out of children’s reach. Such items include matches, lighters, kerosene, cleaning materials and household cleaners, candles, alcohols and paint. Gasoline and paint thinner should be stored outside the home.
2. Use your stove and other cooking appliances safely. When kids are around, remove the stove knobs when not in use. If you are using pots, turn the handle towards the back of the stove.
3. Keep electrical appliances and wires out of the reach of children. Unused electrical outlets should be covered when not in use.
4. Remove build-up and clean the lint filters in dryers. Home fires are often caused by dryer-lint build-up.
5. Remove many artworks or papers in your wall area. These materials make the fire burn fast and strong.
6. If possible, provide fire extinguishers in every floor of your home.
Common causes of fires are lighters and matches played by children. Fires fascinate children and sometimes they hide from your sight to play. Be aware that they often hide in closets or bedrooms to play with matches or lighters.
Make your home a special place for your children. It is an exciting place for them to learn and explore. By taking precautions, you will be able to ensure that your home is a safe place to live.
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