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I Never Understood the Importance of a Fire Safety Plan Until It Was Too Late
by Jessica Morgan
Updated: Jan. 22, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 24, 2020
What a close call! I never thought I would be the one to almost set my house ablaze. Picture this: I was just trying to whip up some chicken nuggets for my kids. Meanwhile, my husband had left a pizza box in the oven from the night before (seriously, who does that?). In my rush to preheat, I didn’t think to check the oven for any surprises. As it turns out, there was a big one. My nine-year-old daughter suddenly called out, “Mom, I smell smoke.”
I turned around to see smoke billowing from the oven. Panic set in as I opened the door to discover flames licking the sides. Grabbing the fire extinguisher from the kitchen, I quickly scanned the instructions, feeling like I was in a scene from a movie. I aimed and pulled the trigger, unleashing a flurry of foam that coated my kitchen like something out of a cartoon. Thankfully, the fire was extinguished, but it took two days to clean up the aftermath. I was incredibly grateful for having a fire safety plan in place.
Why You Need a Fire Safety Plan
We have fire safety measures that comply with social services standards: interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, the kitchen, and the living room. We’ve also established a clear fire escape plan that our kids know by heart. They can easily access their bedroom windows and know how to open them. Plus, we have a designated outdoor meeting spot in case of an emergency. Our children are taught the basics of fire safety: stop, drop, and roll; never play with matches without adult supervision; and always turn off the stove.
You might think that fire safety plans are excessive, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2018 alone, fire departments responded to roughly 1,318,500 fires. Tragically, 2,720 civilians lost their lives in house fires that year. To put it into perspective, someone dies in a house fire every three hours and thirteen minutes in the U.S. The Red Cross reports that seven people die in house fires daily, with many being children or the elderly.
Essential Steps for Fire Safety
- Ensure Working Smoke Detectors: Test your smoke detectors monthly. If they fail to beep, replace them immediately. They should be replaced every ten years, so check the manufacture date on the back.
- Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy: The National Fire Protection Association notes that “unattended cooking” is the leading cause of house fires. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen—and consider keeping one in the laundry room, near electrical panels, and in other high-risk areas.
- Develop a Fire Escape Plan: The Red Cross advises practicing your escape route at least twice a year. Everyone should know at least two ways to exit the home. Never attempt to go back in for anyone or anything. Smoke can be deadly, so stay low and remember your designated meeting place.
Additionally, the National Fire Prevention Association suggests installing residential sprinklers and ensuring that common household items, like lighters and matches, are kept out of children’s reach. We’ve taught our kids about fire safety from a young age, demystifying the allure of fire by showing them how to use matches safely. However, we still store these items securely, allowing them access only under supervision.
You may think a fire could never happen to you, and I get it—I never thought it would happen to us either. But thank goodness we had our fire extinguisher ready. In hindsight, experts recommend simply closing the oven door and letting an oven fire burn itself out. Always make a fire safety plan and practice it; you never know when you’ll need it.
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Summary
Having a fire safety plan is essential for every household. From ensuring working smoke detectors to keeping fire extinguishers readily available and practicing escape routes, these preventive measures can save lives. Don’t wait for a close call to take action—establish your fire safety plan today.
Keyphrase: Fire safety plan
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