No one wants to hear the sound of sirens as fire trucks scream through the streets. But fires are a reality.
Firefighters are always stressing to families the importance of having a plan in case of a fire and the need to practice the escape.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests the following when making an escape plan for your family.
- Have two ways out of every room in your house.
- Have the number to call posted in case of a fire emergency.
- Establish a place outside for members of the family to meet in case the house must be evacuated.
- Make sure bedroom windows open easily for a possible escape route.
- Practice and establish that children can unlock doors and can open doors and windows with ease.
- Test [nmslink:smoke alarms, smoke alarms] regularly and change the batteries at least once a year.
- If the house has a second floor, have an [nmslink:escape ladder, escape ladder] that can be dropped down from the upstairs window.
NFPA also stresses general fire prevention and lists a series of checks to be made in the home to lessen the chances for a fire. Go to www.nfpa.org for a home escape plan grid and home safety checklist.
With the Holidays so close, and many more risks of fire, make sure you prepare your family. Stay Safe!
[nms:fire prevention,3,1BMO656]
