Distance Your Family from Fire Tragedy - written by Anita Koppens

Each year, there are hundreds of fire-related deaths throughout the USA. A big percentage of those that die in home fires are children, with the biggest concentration of these awful happenings occurring during the home heating months. One of the most painful things about home fire deaths is that a great many are preventable.

The best way to arrange for a fire-related emergency is to take the necessary steps to avoid a home fire. Key aspects of preparing to avoid fire in the first place consist of home maintenance, watchful use of items capable of causing a fire, instructing children about the dangers of fire and being vigilant in controlling or preventing their use of items or equipment that could start a fire.

Regular home maintenance can play a vital role in preventing fires. Having heating systems cleaned and inspected annually by professionals is a good idea, as is not postponing the repair of electrical problems. Making sure to keep areas around furnaces and stoves free of flammable debris or hazardous household items will increase the odds of avoiding a fire. When it comes to such heat-producing items as space heaters and irons, make sure to use them with care.

Space heaters are a common cause of house fires and should never be close enough to curtains or blankets to set them ablaze. Three or four feet away is a good rule of thumb. The cord should be in good condition and conveniently placed, meaning not under a rug or in a walkway where you can trip over it. If possible, a space heater plug should have a separate outlet. You should regularly check it to see if it is getting hot.

Like space heaters, candles are an additional source of fires at home. Do not burn unattended candles. Even the kind that are in glass are not safe to leave alone, as the glass can crack from the heat from an improperly centered wick and cause a fire. Use curling irons, clothing irons and other household items that can ignite a fire with care.

Children need to understand that playing with fire can cause severe injury, even death, not just for themselves and their family, but also for their neighbors. In addition to keeping matches and lighters out of their reach, supervise children in the kitchen and around the stove. Do not allow children to use the stove or oven without supervision until they are tall enough and responsible enough to do so properly.

Occasionally, in spite of our best efforts, mistakes and mishaps do happen, and there is a fire. Having a thoughtful plan is the best groundwork in the event of a home fire-related emergency. The foundation of the plan is the line of action that household members will take when the smoke detectors go off or a fire is evident.

Formulate an exit strategy and a meeting place. Practice an exit plan for children so frequently that they remember the information. They should be aware of the basics-keep close to the floor for oxygen, touch a door for heat prior to opening, how to get out of a window if the door cannot be used, etc. Explain how windows can be broken on the occasion of an emergency and that laying a blanket over the broken glass can avoid injury. For second floor windows, a fire escape ladder is economical to install. Stop, drop, and roll is also an important concept to teach, in case clothing is set on fire while escaping the building.

Choose a meeting spot that is a secure distance away from your home. It is a good idea to have a backup spot in mind, in the event that a fire spreads throughout a city block, making the first spot dangerous. Instruct children to remain at the meeting spot until parents or officials arrive for them. As trying as it may be, children must comprehend the importance of leaving pets behind for parents or fire crew to rescue. Storing irreplaceable items, such as family photos, or difficult-to-replace personal papers in a fireproof box can help reduce the temptation for adults to linger too long or go back into a burning home.

While prevention is the best means of preparation, the reality remains that residential fires do happen. Preparing for such events can help lessen the chance of property loss being accompanied by something much more tragic-serious injury or death. Take steps today to ensure that you and your family are ready to deal with a home fire-related emergency.