Prevention is better than fire. It doesn’t have to be National Fire Prevention Week to emphasize the importance of avoiding fire. Base on World Fire Statistics of the International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire, an average of 3.1 million fire accidents happened in the year 2017 from 40 countries.
Mathematically speaking, it indicates a fire incident every 10 seconds. The ratio is alarming, knowing that mishaps can happen in just a blink of an eye. Thus, fire prevention should be done and observed every day.
Fire incident reports mostly occur in homes. On that note, each family member must be cooperative with one another in terms of keeping everyone safe in their humble abode. Here are some homeful tips on what to do before, during, and after the fire.
❖ Before Fire
There’s nothing to lose in taking precautions. Here’s a checklist of advice on what to do to avoid a house fire.
1. Install a Smoke Detector
A smoke detector, also known as smoke alarm, is a device that senses smoke, which typically indicates a fire. A household smoke detector issues a local visual or audible warning from the sensor itself. This device is essential and necessary for home installation. As much as possible, there should be smoke detectors installed on each level of the house, inside the rooms, and outside the sleeping areas.
It is crucial to check and test the smoke alarms every month. If they are not working, then the batteries need changing. Also, parents should teach their children what smoke alarms sound like, moreover what to do when they hear one.
2. Install a Fire Sprinkler
A fire sprinkler is a part of a fire sprinkler system that releases water when it detects a heat source nearby. Like a smoke detector, a home fire sprinkler is also essential to anyone’s household. This device can dramatically reduce heat, flames, and smoke produced in a fire.
Properly installed, well maintained, and good quality sprinklers help save lives. Some residential buildings patronize industrial fire sprinklers for all unites. These industrial sprinklers work just the same as fire systems in huge facilities, such as power plants. The fire sprinkler system of these large facilities has a component of fire-safe high-performance butterfly valves. Experts suggest selecting this support to the fire sprinkler system because they can maintain their pressure containing capacity during and after a certain period of fire exposure.
3. Practice a Fire Escape Plan
Talk with all the family members about a fire escape plan and learn the method Stop-Drop-and-Roll. One may push the smoke sensor test button or yell “Fire!” to alert every household member to get out. Make sure that everyone knows two ways to escape from every room and decide on a meeting spot outside the house. Practice this at least twice a year.
4. Know Whom To Call
Form a family emergency communications plan and make certain that everyone knows how to reach the fire department, or whom to contact if they cannot find one another.
❖ During Fire
One may have as little as two minutes to escape when a home fire starts. Early warning during a fire and regular practice of fire escape plan can save lives. Check out another list, this time on what to do during a home fire.
1. Safely Operate a Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a handy essential part of the home fire safety plan. This accessible device can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or suppressing it until the fire department arrives.
1. Save Yourself
In the occurrence of fire, yell “Fire!” multiple times and get out right away. Leave all your things wherever they are, and save yourself. If closed doors or door handles are warm, or smoke blocks the main escape route, use the second way out. Furthermore, if there is an accessible elevator in the house, do not use it. Use the staircase instead. Once you are out, remember to stay out, go to your meeting place, and call for help.
2. Don’t Panic
Remember the do’s and don’ts, and do not panic. In case smoke blocks the escape route, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Don’t forget to close the doors behind for protection. If there is no more possible escape route, stay in the room with all doors closed. Put a wet towel underneath the door and call for help or open a window and signal for help.
In case your clothes caught fire, stop what you are doing, drop to the ground and cover your face if you can, and rollover back and forth till the flames run out. Running while still on fire will only make the fire burn faster.
❖ After Fire
It is a traumatizing experience to see your house engulfed by fire and destroy your properties. But remember, lives are more important than buildings and properties. Below is the last set of tips that an individual needs to do after a fire incident.
1. Call the Emergency Hotline
Contact the emergency hotline and seek assistance. Provide first aid where needed. For persons and animals that were severely burnt or injured, transport them to professional medical or veterinary immediately.
2. Let Your Family Know You are Safe
Follow your family fire escape plan and go to your decided meeting place to let them know that you are safe. If this is unlikely, try to call your family and friends about your current condition.
3. Do Not Go Back Inside the House
Make sure to stay out of the damaged house that caught fire. Wait until local fire authorities say it is already safe to re-enter.
Conclusion
Educating oneself about fire prevention is very important and should not be disregarded. This information and such home practice about fire drills can save lives. Surely, nothing beats a man who is always ready, not even fire.
