Just buying a fire extinguisher will not make fully prepared for a fire hazard.If that was the case than you can just pass a gun to someone and send him to war instead of doing the whole military training ritual. Just like the army, you need to have your own drills and checklist about what to do when you confronted with a fire hazard.
Perform your own fire prevention check of each room individually and search for anything that looks out of place and could cause a fire:
- Fire alarms are fitted and working
- Candles placed near/on flammable items
- Electrical equipment with faulty or loose wiring
- Signs of equipment that has become overheated (discoloring or soot)
- Furniture placed too close to open fires
- Portable heaters placed too close to fittings
- Check whether the gauges display the correct readings on fire extinguishers and is in condition
- Grease/Oil/Fat build up on cookers and in ovens
- Flammable items placed close to the cooker
- Any Overloaded sockets
- Check that Flammable materials are not left unattended in the home (paints, white spirits, glues)
- Keep At least one fire alarm on each floor of your home, close to the exit of the open space and test it every month.
- At least one fire extinguisher placed in a kitchen or living room
- A fire blanket in the kitchen could save you from a disaster.
- Torches in the main rooms of the home and especially in the master bedroom
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Run a Who does what drill (getting the child/children, calling the fire brigade, checking/making the escape route etc.)
Before Going To Sleep BE SURE TO Do The Following:
- Check if all heaters the heaters are turned off.
- Place fireguards in front of smoldering fires.
- Close all internal doors.
- Leave the key in exit doors or at least in the same place nearby every night.
- Ensure escape routes are clear.
- Ensure nothing is left on the stairs that could cause someone to trip.
If Despite Of All Your Preparation Fire Still Occurs:
- DO NOT open doors without first checking by placing your hand on the door. If it feels hot just leave it closed and find another way.
- If you must open the door then clear the opening and stand behind the door as you open it, this will avoid you getting burnt if the fire blows into the room when you kick it.
- Wet some towels, place them over your head and shoulders, and over your mouth,don’t get that pretty face burnt.
- Put your fire plan into action and make your way to the primary or secondary escape routes.
- Stay low to the ground – smoke rises so it’s easier to breathe.
- Once you leave the home DO NOT go back in.
- Call the fire brigade immediately once you are out of the house.
If A Fire Happens While You Are Awake And In Your Immediate Vicinity
- Use appropriate equipment to try and put it out (extinguisher/fire blanket)
- If putting it out fails, gather your family members and exit the home immediately.
- Call the fire brigade from a mobile or neighbor’s home or relative who knows your location.
If You Cannot Get Out:
- Block the bottom of the door with a wet towel.
- Open a window and shout “HELPHELP…FIREFIRE” repeatedly.
Well there you go, a complete personal checklist for you. For more information, you can go to the Catstrong LLC website who are the leading experts for fire prevention and combating fire. You can also email at [email protected] them for further information.