Fire prevention starts at home. Kitchen appliances, indoor fire places and heaters, and electrical sockets and wires are all common potential fire hazards. Consider possible risks when installing, using, or storing items in your home that may contribute to an unexpected fire starting. Make a plan with your family should a fire occur in your home and have extinguishers readily available.
Take Preventative Action
Many Alaskan home have an alternative heating method, such as a pellet stove or a wood burning fire place. Keeping your home warm is very important during the cold winter months. However, it’s also very important to be cautious when using a stove or fire place.
Clear the area surrounding a stove or fire place and be sure that nothing is left on top of these heat sources while in use or still warm. When using a fire place, check that the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Clean your chimney regularly, or have a professional service clean it for you, to avoid build up on the chimney walls.
Check fire alarm batteries regularly and replace batteries as needed. Fire alarms are very helpful tools to assist your family in escaping a home fire as safely as possible. Educate your children on what to do if they hear a fire alarm. Be sure everyone knows where fire extinguishers are and also where to meet if a fire gets out of control and you must leave your home.
Making A Fire Safety Plan
When making a fire safety plan with your family, it may be useful to draw a floor plan of your home as a visual. Mark all potential exits, including doors and windows, and actually walk through the house together to consider the best exit routes. Prepare windows above the first floor with escape ladders incase someone is trapped upstairs.
Designate a meeting spot that’s far enough from your home for everyone to stay safe from fire and smoke. Every person in your home should know where to meet if they must evacuate because of a fire. Practice leaving your home and gathering at the meeting spot to be sure everyone knows where to go in an emergency.
It’s also important to consider your pets when making a fire safety plan with your family. When practicing your family’s evacuation plan, include your pets. This helps everyone remember exactly how the plan should go if there is an actual fire. Including your pets also helps them be ready and familiar with your plan in the event of an emergency.
October 4 – 10, 2020 is Fire Prevention Week which is sponsored each year by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Adults, teachers, and children learn about how prevent fires and to stay safe in the event of a fire during Fire Prevent Week.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “Fire Prevention Week (FPW)” by the NFPA | Photo
