Protect Your Family:
Home Fire Safety Tips
By Carlo
Morelli
Would you know exactly what to do if you were to find
yourself in a burning building? Too many people don’t,
which is one of the causes of panics. You’d probably
say that it’s a simple thing matter; exit the building,
fast.
But there are situations involving fires when exit
is no easy feat. Doors and windows can be blocked or
locked. Knowing what to do in a fire and how to get
out of the building is fundamental to making sure you
exit safely. Remember the following safety tips, someday
they may help save you or your family’s life.
Alternative Exit Routes- One of the
principal errors you can make is not knowing more than
just a single way in and out of a building. When you
enter a building, take note of more than one exit or
entrance. Always know alternate exits to the location.
Many times an exit becomes impassable or even locked
during a fire. Elevators are usually put out of service
automatically during a fire. If you don’t know another
route, you may become confused and blunder further into
the burning structure. Especially in large buildings
like hospitals, hotels, or schools, you should be familiar
with as many exits as you can.
Escapes out the Window - If you happen
to be trapped in a building and are forced to leave
through the window, do so with care. Especially if you
are on the second story or above, you will need help.
Try to keep the door to the room closed, and pack wet
towels, sheets, or clothes under the door gap to keep
smoke out. Signal for help through an open window. Wait
until the fire department gets there; they have the
equipment and training to help you down to safety. A
passerby or neighbor may also be able to help you quickly
before the professionals arrive.
If your house has bedrooms on higher levels, consider
installing fire ladders in your home. These are stowable
drop-down ladders which attach to higher level windows.
When the time comes, you toss them out of the window
and climb down safely.
Keep a low Profile - When going through
a burning building to the exit, always stay as low to
the floor as possible. Because smoke and heat rises,
there will be less smoke and more oxygen nearest the
floor. Not only that, but there can be as much as a
1000 degree difference from the floor to the ceiling.
Be traveling as quickly as possible while staying calm.
Smoke inhalation is particularly dangerous and you can
lose consciousness quickly as a result of it. To further
help you breathe, cover your mouth and nose with a wet
piece of clothing or towel.
Smoke Detectors – Needless to say,
but have properly functioning smoke detectors in your
home. Test and replace batteries regularly. If you don’t
have smoke detectors, it is unlikely you will notice
the smoke until it is too late.
Carlo Morelli writes for http://www.OnlineTips.Org,
where you can read tips on home
security alarm monitoring, ceramic
tile floor and other home/garden topics.
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