When it comes to fire, we all get a little scared, don't we? It's very normal. No one wants to be in danger, whether it's themselves, their loved ones, or their home. But, did you know that this fear can be greatly reduced if we are properly prepared ? Just like we practice ``Fire Drill'' at school, it's very important to be prepared at home.
Should we do a ``Fire Drill'' at home? Why is it important?
Fire drills are a common occurrence at school. They teach us what to do in case of a fire. But imagine if there was a fire at home? Do you have a clear idea of what to do? Talking about fire is a scary thing, because no one likes to think about people getting hurt or seeing their belongings burn down. However, if you are prepared in advance, you can reduce the anxiety you feel in such a situation.
It's good to talk about emergency plans. But it's even better to practice those plans. Just like the ``Fire Drill`` at school, having a ``Fire Drill`` at home gives everyone a chance to see how they would behave in a real emergency. Then you can see for yourself how quickly and safely everyone gets out of the house. It's a good idea to do this kind of drill with your family at least twice a year . You can also remind your mom and dad to change the batteries in the ``Smoke Alarm`` at home. Because it's very important for life safety.
The best thing to do in a home ``Fire Drill`` is to see if everyone in the family can safely get out of the house and gather at a pre-arranged location within 3 minutes . As a little more of a challenge, you can practice this one by one. For example, imagine that you can't get out the front door because it's blocked by fire. What do you do then? You need to practice things like that.
Not every family has the same plan. Some live in single-story homes. Others live in apartment buildings. So, it's important to talk about an escape plan and escape routes that are right for your home. Let's take a look at that first.
Know your escape routes!
An escape plan is something that helps everyone in the family get out of a burning house quickly and safely. The main goal is to get out as quickly and safely as possible. Sometimes we can't see clearly because of the smoke from a fire. So it's very important to remember all the ways out of your house. How many exits are there in your house? How do you get to them from your room? It's a good idea to clearly mark all of these and draw up an escape plan with your family.
Sometimes one exit may be blocked by fire or smoke, so you need to know what other routes are available. If you live in an apartment building, know the best route to a stairwell or other emergency exit.
Follow these safety measures in case of fire
Imagine you're in a closed room and a fire starts. In that case, you need to take a few extra steps.
- First, check to see if there is any smoke or heat coming from the holes around the door (you are checking to see if there is a fire on the other side of the door).
- If you see smoke coming from under the door – do not open the door for any reason !
- If you don't see smoke – feel the door. If the door is hot or very hot – don't open the door!
- If you don't see any smoke – and the door isn't hot – then try touching the doorknob with your fingers. If the doorknob is hot or very hot – don't open the door!
Even in an emergency, it's important to remember these steps, because opening the door at the wrong time can cause a lot of damage.
If the door is cold to the touch and there is no smoke around the door, open the door very carefully and slowly. If you suddenly feel heat or smoke coming into the room when you open the door, close the door quickly and check that it is closed properly. If there is no smoke or heat when you open the door, leave via your escape route.
Stay Low at all times.
If you see smoke inside your home, get as low to the ground as possible until you can get outside. In a fire, smoke and toxic fumes are more likely to kill people than actual flames. If you get as close to the ground as possible, you can reduce the amount of smoke you inhale.
Smoke usually rises. So if there's smoke when you're using an escape route, you can crawl under most of the smoke by going low. You can either crawl under the smoke by kneeling on the ground or using your hands and knees.
Know exactly how to leave the house
Your first choice should be to go out through an exit door. However, ask your parents if you can get out through windows and if they are safe. Even if it's an upstairs window, you may be able to get out safely with the help of a firefighter or another adult.
Teach your parents how to open windows, unlock them, and remove window screens if necessary. But remember to only do these things in an emergency! Many children fall out of windows and get injured.
Some families have collapsible rescue ladders that can be used to get down from upper floors. If your home has one, ask your mom or dad how to use it.
In addition to planning escape routes, you should also discuss where the family will gather after they leave the house. This is very important because when everyone is in one place, they will know that everyone is safe. You can choose the front yard of your neighbor's house or another safe place nearby.
It's normal to worry about your pet or your favorite toy. But, if there's a fire, you have to leave those things behind. The most important thing is to get out safely. Also, you should remember that it's not a good idea to stay indoors for a second longer than absolutely necessary – don't even wait to call 911. Someone else can go out and take that call.
Once you're out, don't let anything – not even pets – back inside. You can tell the fire department about any pets left inside. They may be able to help.
What do you do if you suddenly can't go out?
If your escape route is blocked by fire or smoke and you cannot get out quickly, you should shout loudly for help. You can do this through an open window, or if you have a phone, call 119.
Even if you feel scared, never hide under a bed or in a closet. This will make it harder for firefighters to find you. Remember, firefighters or other adults will be looking for you to help you get out safely. The sooner they find you, the sooner you can both get out.
In the meantime, block the heat and smoke from coming in through the gaps around the door by covering them with sheets, blankets, and/or clothing. If you can't jump out of a window in the room, open it wide and stand in front of it. If you can get a piece of clothing or a towel, hold it to your mouth to reduce your exposure to smoke. It's even better if you dampen this piece of cloth with water.
What if your clothes catch fire?
During a fire, someone's clothes can catch fire by accident, such as getting too close to a candle or a stove. If that happens, don't run! Instead, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over. This is called ``Stop, Drop, and Roll.'' This will cut off the air and put out the flames. An easy way to remember this is: Stop, Drop, and Roll!
How to prevent fire accidents?
Every year, more than 35,000 fires are reported to be started by children of all ages, causing injuries and property damage. You can also help prevent fires. Never play with flammable items like matches or lighters. And stay away from fireplaces, candles, and stoves.
By following these tips, you are doing something very important – preventing fire accidents from happening in the first place!
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's see what went through your mind from what we've been talking about?
- Preparation is key: Practice a fire drill at home at least twice a year. Don't forget the batteries in your smoke alarm.
- Know your escape routes: Be aware of all the ways out of the house, including doors and windows. Get the whole family together and create an ``Escape Plan``.
- Be careful before opening a door: check if the door is hot or smoke is coming out.
- If there is smoke, get down: Get down to the ground and crawl.
- Don't go back in after you get out: Don't go back in for anything. Safety comes first.
- If your clothes catch fire: `(Stop, Drop, and Roll)` – Stop, drop, and roll.
- Avoid fire hazards: Do not play with flammable objects.
Even though these things may seem a little scary, knowing these things will make you and your family much safer. Don't panic, but always be prepared. If you have any more questions about this, ask your mom, dad, or a teacher. They will be able to help you further.
` Fire safety, home fire safety, escape plan, smoke detector, emergencies, firefighting training, Stop Drop and Roll
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