The following are tips recommended by the National Fire Prevention Association for smooth and effective fire prevention.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke Alarms are the first line of defense when it comes to being prepared for a home fire. It is important to have them on every level of your home and they are tested. Smoke alarms come with a date printed on the back and should be replaced every 10 years. When replacing alarms, be sure to replace them with well-known brands with sealed long-life batteries.
Home Escape Planning
Every home should have a known and practiced escape plan with special considerations needed for occupants who are young children, seniors, or anyone with disabilities. Be sure to keep two escape routes out of each room, knowing one escape route could be a window. Remember these routes and consciously keep them free of clutter and furniture.
Getting out of the home safely is one thing but knowing where to meet after you exit is another. Be sure to designate a safe spot outside of the home that is a safe distance away. Pick something permanent like the mailbox, end of the driveway, or light pole. This is so that not only your family can locate you, but so can emergency personnel.
Special Considerations for homes with seniors or disabled residents.
With the above recommendations in place, keep these extra notes in mind. Always be sure to keep needed walkers, scooters, canes, and wheelchairs in the sleeping area so they can be reached quickly. The same thing can be said for eyeglasses, mobile phones,s and flashlights. Having them near the bed for a quick grab-and-go is imperative. If you cannot escape safely, keep your door shut and place a blanket at the bottom of the door and be near a window for the fire department to reach you. If you have the option available to call 911, do so and alert them you are in the home.
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are options to install bedside alerts like a bed shaking alarm that pairs with your fire alarm to alert you of an emergency. Light strobing alarms are also an option.
Finally, for those who have cognitive disabilities, it is advised to work with healthcare providers and local emergency response agencies so that they can better anticipate any future emergency difficulties.
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For More Information:
Jennifer Shidler, Community Outreach & Public Affairs Coordinator 254-698-6335 EXT 4 Jshidler@nolanvilletx.gov