The key to safety and survival in any emergency situation is preparation. If you have a well thought out and rehearsed plan your chances of keeping yourself and your loved ones safe rises dramatically. A house fire would be a perfect scenario. Here are some ideas on ways to prepare yourself and your family for the event of a house fire:
1. Construct a plan of escape and a meeting place.
2. Make sure all family members understand this plan and discuss it often throughout the year to refresh their memory.
3. Hold a dry-run of this escape plan many times a year, ensuring that your family knows exactly what to do in this kind of emergency.
4. Teach your children to dial 911 and how to relay information to the emergency operator in a calm manner.
5. Teach your children the proper way to check for a hot doorknob by using the back of their hand.
6. Make sure everyone in the family understands to cover their mouths with their shirt, or similar clothing, and crawl on their hands and knees to avoid smoke inhalation.
7. Make sure your children know to never ever hide under a bed or in a closet. If they cannot get out of the room, due to a hot door, instruct them to crawl to a window. If they cannot escape through the window instruct them to stay by the window so emergency personnel can find them easier.
8. Lastly, make sure you are prepared while you sleep as well. Sleep in a semi-upright position with your torso on the bed and your feet touching the ground. This will help to ensure your quick escape from your burning house.
