Families have a lot of questions that need answering every day. There are standard ones like, what are we doing for dinner tonight? Or what time does practice end? From parents to kids we are planning our day based on those answers. It is always good to have a plan. That way nothing falls through the cracks. Yet, if I asked families what their fire escape plan is, most would respond saying, we don’t have one. If that is you too, don’t feel ashamed. According to the American Red Cross, only 26% of American families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. That is why I teamed up with Kidde to make sure that you and your family create a plan in case of a fire or carbon monoxide issue.
Plan It Out
Now most of you reading this might ask yourself how does one go about creating a home fire escape plan? One of the easiest steps is to first locate all the smoke alarms and test them to make sure they are properly working. I shared an experience earlier this month about my smoke alarms needing to be replaced because they had reached their end of life. Did you know smoke alarms need to be replaced every five to 10 years? Two, have a family meeting to discuss your plan. Look for at least two ways out of every room. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear, and doors and windows can be opened easily. Then choose a safe meeting place outside your home. Kidde suggests meeting at a neighbor’s house or a mailbox. Make sure it’s far enough away from the home in case the fire spreads.
Who is living in your house? If your household includes children, elderly family members, those with mobility challenges or pets, designate someone to assist them in an emergency. You can assign a backup helper in case that person isn’t available. The whole idea is to plan with your family about how you all will get out of the house safely.
Check In From Time To Time
Practice makes perfect was a saying I heard a lot when I was playing sports at school. The reason you practice is to make sure that you and your team are on the same page when you play a game. Just like sports you and your family need to be in sync if ever a fire is in your house. Take time each month to test your smoke alarms and to go over your plan and see if anyone has questions. Teaching your kids to be prepared for anything is a fantastic way for them to stay calm under pressure. So, after reading this, get together with your family and make a home fire escape plan today. You can learn a lot of great tips and information by going to the Kidde website over at kidde.com.
Please note: I am working with Kidde Fire Safety on a sponsored campaign. I am receiving payment for my work, but my thoughts are my own.