Be Prepared... for fire or
any other disaster
by Nancy Reid

You may not be able to control the weather or circumstances that can bring about disaster, but you can take some logical, easy steps to help yourself, your family and pets, to be prepared and act with confidence and speed if the need arises.

Having a plan is of major importance. Your family should all be aware of the plan, who to call for help, where to go and how to get there--any if the opportunity arises what to grab first if evacuation of the home is necessary. Part of this plan should include a list that is checked regularly to make sure all is in order. Having a plan greatly reduces panic and helps even children to focus on what needs to be done, saving time sometimes saving lives and property. Below is a list of ideas to consider when putting together your family plan to help you in case of emergencies.

Walk through your home, and assess each room. Do this as a family exercise. This should not be a one-time event; agree on several walk through days a year so that all will be reminded of your plan and how it is to be carried out.

Install fire extinguishers in the kitchen and garage and know how to use them. Make sure each room has a smoke alarm and that you mark days on your calendar to check that they work and change the batteries.

Identify two clear escape routes from each room in your home? Make sure every family member knows these escape routes? Purchase fire escape ladders for each bedroom if necessary.

Test candle holders to make sure they’re sturdy? Make sure you always have flashlights, candles and matches in a known place for emergency use, but out of children’s reach.

Ensure that electrical outlets have no more than one heat-producing appliance plugged into them? Put socket covers on unused outlets; especially if there are children around; this includes if you have children that visit from time to time. Check wires to be sure you are not using frayed or melted wires.

Move all flammable, poisonous materials, in their original containers so labels can be read, at least three feet away from heat sources and out of children and pets reach.

Make sure that outdoor barbecue grills are kept away from your home, trees, shrubs, and other combustibles? Never leave a hot grill unattended and always make sure you have a water source within arms reach. Never use water on hot grease, have a cover to smother a fire. Make sure pot holders or oven mitts are handy.

Have furnaces and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned every year.

Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of an emergency. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as escape routes. Make sure you have chosen a place to meet outside the house and that everyone understands where it is and to go directly to it should you get separated.

Test windows and doors—do they open easily enough? Are they wide enough. Or tall enough?

Practice alerting other members. It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom. Know the where abouts of family members that are out of town or not home for the evening.

Have an easy to grab box readily available that has a change of clothes for each member of the family, toiletries, pet food and pet toiletries and carry cases or leashes if applicable, and your valuable papers. A first aid kid and water are also good to have in that box, along with batteries, flash lights and candles. Some pets may need extra care so be sure you realize their temperaments and needs. Check with your veterinarian for possible medication for your pet during stressful times.

Clear brush away from your home and check with your local fire department to find out which shrubs you have in your garden that are likely to make a fire worse.

Consider taking a CPR class; especially if you have elderly family members or you have a swimming pool on your property.

These are just a few suggestions to help prepare for fire seasons, flash floods and general emergencies. Just taking a moment to agree where to meet should you get separated can save a family a great deal of panic and stress, consider doing that now.