Your home should be equipped with functional fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. These features will alert your family in the event of a fire so that everyone can vacate the house safely. Use these tips if you’re thinking about ways to enhance your family’s safety from fires.

Do:

Create and practice the plan.

Identify all possible exit routes in your home in light of its design. For example, a ranch-style house is generally easier to leave than a two-story home because there are no stairs to contend with. If your home features two floors, purchase a fire ladder so that everyone can escape the residence quickly instead of running down the stairs during an emergency.

Once you’ve determined all potential exit routes, discuss the plan with the family. Practice the plan using different routes until everyone feels comfortable.

Check the equipment.

Inspect the fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and any other applicable alarms annually to ensure they’ll work when you need them. For example, change the batteries on detectors and look for dents in extinguisher cylinders. If you notice any damage, have it addressed by a professional immediately.

Don’t:

Re-enter.

If a fire occurs, never go back inside the home, as the flames may make the structure unstable. Additionally, smoke inhalation can inflame your airways, making it challenging to get enough oxygen and causing you to fall unconscious.

Allow firefighters to handle the flames instead of trying to retrieve your valuables, even if they’re seemingly within reach. If there are family members in the house, tell the firefighters where they are.

Try to extinguish the fire.

Don’t try to put out a flame unless it’s a small blaze, like a grease fire in a kitchen pan that can be easily snuffed with a fire extinguisher. The device isn’t equipped to handle large flames, and attempting to address the blaze may delay your escape. Instead, focus on staying below the smoke and getting out of the building.

If you want to enhance your fire safety plan, turn to the team at Accel Fire Systems in Anchorage, AK. These professionals offer reliable smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and they’ll even handle their installations and annual inspections for you. To get more information about their products, visit them online or call (907) 349-1490.