Are You Prepared for a FIRE in Your Dayton and Cincinnati Home??

Most people will answer “no” to the above question. While you can never be 100% prepared, we’d like to help you take a few precautionary steps.

Create a Fire Escape Plan and PRACTICE it!

Do you know how many children have died in school fires since 1980?? ZERO– because they practice drills to get out and are prepared. No matter the age, we should all practice our fire safety escape plan at least annually. Here are a few more suggestions:

• Inspect all exits and escape routes in your home. Draw a floor plan, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

• Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.

• Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet. Mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan. THIS IS HUGE TO TEACH CHILDREN

• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. This will ensure that responding emergency personnel can easily find your home.

• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home.

• Remember to close all doors on your way out. This slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to escape safely.

• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them. Also, plan for anyone in your home who has a disability.

• Practice “sealing yourself in for safety” as part of your home fire escape plan in case smoke or fire prevents you from exiting your home or apartment building. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to seal the door cracks and cover air vents to keep smoke from coming in. If possible, open your windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in. Wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are.

***Have a Fire Kit stored in each bedroom- include a fire ladder if needed, a flashlight with batteries, and duct tape.

Smoke Alarm Tips

• Install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Test alarms monthly by pushing the test button. Pick a day, such as the 1st of each month. Change the batteries twice a year — when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.

• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.

Other Fire Safety Tips

• Place fire extinguishers on every level of the home and close to exits. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to use fire extinguishers.

• If your clothes catch fire, practice the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique to put out the flames. Cover your face with your hands while doing so.

• Don’t put combustible items like bedding, clothes, and curtains close to heat sources, such as portable heaters and lit candles.

• Check electrical cords regularly and replace or repair frayed or loose cords. Never run cords under rugs or furniture to prevent damage and don’t overload electrical outlets. Don’t operate appliances or electric blankets that have frayed power cords.

• Never smoke in bed. You might fall asleep with the lit cigarette and, if it falls, the mattress and bedding can easily catch fire. Only smoke outside and when you’re wide awake.

• Teach your children that matches, lighters, and candles are not toys. Store matches and lighters in a secure drawer or cabinet.

• Always keep burning candles within sight and extinguish them when you leave the room or go to bed. Place them away from materials that can catch fire.

If you’ve experienced a home fire, always hire a professional restoration company, such as PuroClean, to restore your property. PuroClean of Dayton and Cincinnati has professionals standing by to assist in property damage situations, such as those resulting from electrical, candle or cooking fires. Call us immediately for help with board up at 937-401-9700 or 513-897-8990.