Preparing Your Family in Case of a Housefire

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire can be frightening,  preparing your family ahead of time can ensure everyone gets out safely. Take a few minutes to review the tips below and go over them with your family.
 

Escape Plan

You should first ensure that your entire family knows what to do in case of a fire in your home. Make an escape plan and practice it several times per year with your family. Make sure your family members know not to put their lives in danger to save possessions, but instead take the way outside which is most direct. If you must exit through smoke, know to drop down under it and try to cover your mouth to keep from breathing smoke indirectly. If a door is hot to the touch, do not open it or go through it.

 
Rope Ladders

If you live in a two-story home, every bedroom should have a rope ladder which is readily available so family members can climb down outside instead of being trapped. A meeting spot outside your home needs to be designated, and ensure you take attendance, so you know who is out safely. In this way, you keep people from endangering themselves by going back in and looking for someone who is already out. If someone is missing, make sure to alert the firefighters – do not ever re-enter the home yourself.

 
Stop, Drop, Roll

Everyone should know how to do this if fire catches on your clothes. Drop to the ground right away, cross your hands over your chest, and roll forward and back until you smother the flames completely. Cool the area that is burned with water and call for medical attention right away for serious burns.

 
Fire Extinguishers

Places such as your workshop, fireplace, and kitchen should have fire extinguishers nearby. Every family member should know how to use it as well properly. Extinguishers need to be regularly recharged, inspected or replaced as necessary.

 
Stove Fires

A small fire in your kitchen should be able to be handled by all. Suffocate the fire by putting a lid on the pan, turning the stove off and letting the pan sit unmoved until the flames are smothered. Extinguish small grease fires by putting baking soda on them, but do not ever use water.
SERVPRO of West Tampa can come in and help you clean up your Tampa home after the fire. We have trained professionals that are certified.

Call SERVPRO as soon as any fire is out so that they can clean up damages and prevent any further damage from happening.

 
SERVPRO of West Tampa is available to help you clean up fire damage at any time. We know how important it is to act quickly, so the sooner you call us at (813) 855-0888, the sooner we can stop further damage from soot and smoke.