Five Important Fire Safety Tips

Sometime it happens quickly before our very eyes. A fire can be a terrible thing to go through, but if you are prepared it can make a world of difference. We all remember, and many witnessed the terrible fires that have swept San Diego county over the past few summers. Whether it be a fire in your home, or one vastly approaching there are many safety precautions you should remember.

Here are some ways to help protect yourself and your family in case of a fire:

1. Install Smoke Detectors.

Smoke detectors can let you know if there is a fire in your home just in time for you to escape, even if you are sleeping. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Experts say to test detectors every month, following the manufacturer’s directions, and to replace batteries once a year, or whenever a detector “chirps” to signal low battery power.

2. Plan Your Escape From Fire.

If a fire does break out in your home, you’ll need to exit quickly. Prepare an escape plan.

3. Watch Smokers.

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Provide smokers with ashtrays and put butts in water before tossing.

4. Cook Safely.

Don’t leave food cooking unattended. If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool.

5. Stop, Drop And Roll.

If your clothes catch fire, don’t run or panic. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames.

*Image from Andrea Booher via Wikimedia Commons