Get Your Family's Fire Systems In Place

Does your family have its fire systems sorted out? If they don't, it's not too late.
This is a short guide about how families should create their fire systems. Remember, while it's all well and good to have smoke alarms beeping away and warning you there's a fire, it's the action that you take post being warned that will make the difference.

Plan your family's fire system now. All you have to do is sit everyone down and instruct them on what to do when there's a fire. Make an escape plan and go over it a couple of times. It's an exercise that you'll probably never regret.

Here are some of points you should indicate when working on your in-house fire systems.
1) Instruction to immediately leave the home
All your family members must be informed that there is no point wasting time saving belongings. A few wasted seconds could make all the difference between life and death so the time needs to used wisely. Don't waste time trying to make calls from your house. Exit and go to your neighbour's place or to a pay phone to inform the fire department.

2) Crawl Through Smoke
A little science lesson will get your children aware that smoke and heat rise upwards. Instruct them to crawl close to the floor in the event that they need to go through smoke. Crawling low will keep them safe from the worst of the fumes.

3) Designate two ways to exit each room
Sometimes things don't go according to plan and just in case the main entrance is blocked by fire or smoke, you will have to find another way out. Consider all options. This might include a window leading to an adjoining roof, a fire escape or even a ladder. Get the family together for some escape practice. Another necessary activity is undertaking routine checks to make sure windows are not stuck and that screens are easily removable. Keep in mind that windows and doors fitted with security bars should have quick release devices in case of an emergency. Also practice escaping in the dark.

4) Check the door
Teach your family to put the back of their hands on the door knob, top of the door and crack between door and door frame. This is to check that the fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot they need to know that they should find another way to get out.

5) Pre-decide an arranged meeting place so that everyone can be sure that all members are fine.

Once you go through these with your kids, and have your fire systems in place, you'll sleep soundly with the knowledge that your house is a safer place.