According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), a structure fire is reported in the United States every 66 seconds. In 2016 alone, these fires resulted in 12,775 civilian injuries, $7.9 billion in property damages, and the loss of 2,950 civilian lives.
In the interest of helping save lives, consider this advice if you find yourself faced with a fire at a home or business.
Have a Plan for Your Home & Business
A good first step toward fire safety is to develop a fire escape plan. Your home escape plan should include at least two ways out of every room and a designated meeting place for your family outside the house.
Businesses should have a written emergency action plan and ensure all employees are familiar with it. Appoint team leaders to help direct employees and ensure everyone is accounted for in the case of an evacuation. Since an evacuation can result in injury and property damage, you can reduce the likelihood of those occurrences by having periodic evacuation drills.
Check all exit routes to be sure they are not blocked or obstructed in any way. You should practice your escape plan twice a year, making sure that you have practiced both during the day and at night. Children should be taught to crawl under smoke. Implement a plan to assist smaller children and the elderly.
If you are in a high-rise building or an apartment complex, make sure you are aware of the proper steps to take in case of a fire. All public buildings should have fire evacuation plans posted within plain sight of the entranceways and near elevators and stairwells on each floor. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with them when entering the building. When an emergency occurs is the most stressful time to be trying to find an exit. Pay attention and plan ahead.
Know How to Escape Safely
Keep in mind that in many cases you may only have a few minutes to safely escape a fire. Many people believe they would have six minutes or more to make their exit. And only eight percent of Americans have acknowledged that their first thought on hearing a fire alarm is to get out.
In a fire, seconds can save lives. Get out as quickly as possible and call the fire department from a safe location. Closing doors on your way out can help prevent the fire from spreading. Do not go back inside for any reason.
Remember that smoke rises. So, it is best to crawl even if smoke is not heavy enough to impair visibility. If you cannot immediately see where the fire is, don’t open any doors without checking them first. Place your hand against the door or near the doorknob and see if it is hot. If it is warm, do not open it. Find an alternate route, but do not use the elevators.
If all routes are blocked, then shelter in place and wait for instructions from the fire department. Close all doors between you and the fire and cover vents and door cracks with duct tape or towels, if available. Open any windows that you safely can at the top and the bottom to allow fresh air to circulate.
Signal for help with a flashlight or by hanging a brightly colored rag or clothing from the window and sitting tight.
While 71% of Americans have a home escape plan, only 47% have practiced it. Knowing the plan and following these tips can help ensure your safety. For more fire prevention and safety tips, visit Selective’s Fire Prevention and Safety Guide.
In the interest of helping save lives, consider this advice if you find yourself faced with a fire at a home or business.
Have a Plan for Your Home & Business
A good first step toward fire safety is to develop a fire escape plan. Your home escape plan should include at least two ways out of every room and a designated meeting place for your family outside the house.
Businesses should have a written emergency action plan and ensure all employees are familiar with it. Appoint team leaders to help direct employees and ensure everyone is accounted for in the case of an evacuation. Since an evacuation can result in injury and property damage, you can reduce the likelihood of those occurrences by having periodic evacuation drills.
Check all exit routes to be sure they are not blocked or obstructed in any way. You should practice your escape plan twice a year, making sure that you have practiced both during the day and at night. Children should be taught to crawl under smoke. Implement a plan to assist smaller children and the elderly.
If you are in a high-rise building or an apartment complex, make sure you are aware of the proper steps to take in case of a fire. All public buildings should have fire evacuation plans posted within plain sight of the entranceways and near elevators and stairwells on each floor. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with them when entering the building. When an emergency occurs is the most stressful time to be trying to find an exit. Pay attention and plan ahead.
Know How to Escape Safely
Keep in mind that in many cases you may only have a few minutes to safely escape a fire. Many people believe they would have six minutes or more to make their exit. And only eight percent of Americans have acknowledged that their first thought on hearing a fire alarm is to get out.
In a fire, seconds can save lives. Get out as quickly as possible and call the fire department from a safe location. Closing doors on your way out can help prevent the fire from spreading. Do not go back inside for any reason.
Remember that smoke rises. So, it is best to crawl even if smoke is not heavy enough to impair visibility. If you cannot immediately see where the fire is, don’t open any doors without checking them first. Place your hand against the door or near the doorknob and see if it is hot. If it is warm, do not open it. Find an alternate route, but do not use the elevators.
If all routes are blocked, then shelter in place and wait for instructions from the fire department. Close all doors between you and the fire and cover vents and door cracks with duct tape or towels, if available. Open any windows that you safely can at the top and the bottom to allow fresh air to circulate.
Signal for help with a flashlight or by hanging a brightly colored rag or clothing from the window and sitting tight.
While 71% of Americans have a home escape plan, only 47% have practiced it. Knowing the plan and following these tips can help ensure your safety. For more fire prevention and safety tips, visit Selective’s Fire Prevention and Safety Guide.
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