Fire Drills: Not just for school days

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

We all remember fire drill days at school, the loud and piercing alarm vibrating through the halls, students lining up single file, determined to get to their meeting spot. We won’t even outgrow fire drills once we’ve made the step into the real world and start working – fire drills follow you wherever you go and that should include your home.  

It’s the middle of the night. You’re sound asleep when suddenly the smoke alarms in your house go off. It’s dark. The house is filling with smoke. Fire experts say you have about two minutes to get out safely. Would you and your family know what you should do? 

Coming up with and practicing family safety drills can help to make sure your family is prepared in the event of an emergency. It is an important topic to discuss with your family, especially children. 

The National Fire Protection Association has a helpful section on how to create a family fire escape plan. It includes how to draw a fire escape path for your home, how to reinforce fire safety to younger children, and tips how to stay as safe as possible during a fire. 

Some tips include: 

• Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Have a designated outside meeting place a safe distance from the home
• Assign “partners” for young, elderly, or family members with mobility issues
• Close Doors behind you as you leave each room to slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire
• All members of the household should know two ways to get out of every room.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas or homes on the second floor or above. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
• Pick a place outside for everyone to meet and make sure everyone knows where it is.
• Practice your home fire drill until everyone in the household can do it in less than two minutes.
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Your family’s safety is the first priority. After emergency services have done their job SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel will be here to help you repair, restore, and recover your belongings.