One of the most vital things you can do to be safe from fire and smoke is to prepare ahead and plan for an escape route. Whether you’re at home or in a hotel, it is always best to have a planned fire escape procedure.
Change your smoke detectors
Just as most other things, smoke detectors expire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, a typical smoke detector should be replaced every 8-10 years.
Examine your smoke alarms and change their batteries
Smoke alarms and detectors should ideally be installed in every level of your home. They should also be tested working. And though most smoke detectors have backup batteries, they should annually be changed fore precaution.
Learn how to put out a grease fire
…Or at least know what to do when it happens. A grease fire happens when the oil on the pan becomes too hot. So make sure to keep your eyes on what you’re cooking to prevent a grease fire. But if the oil does catch fire, turn the heat off immediately and cover the pot with a metal lid.
Fire extinguishers
Every home should have several fire extinguishers handy for small fire breakouts such as grease fires.
Have an escape plan at home or when out travelling
Don’t settle for Plan A. Prepare several escape routes in advance to ensure that you will get out of the house safely in case a fire does happen.
If you are staying in a hotel, familiarize yourself with the nearest fire exits in your room. In addition bring a flashlight when travelling and keep it next to you all the time.
Window escape ladder
Keep an escape ladder in your closet or under the bed. It would come in handy if you get trapped in your room during a fire and have no other escape alternative.
Feel door knobs for heat
Before opening the door during a fire, test its temperature first. Use the back of your hand to feel the door, its hinges, or its knob for heat. Do not open it if you feel it’s warm. Instead, opt for your secondary escape plan.
No second thoughts
The paramount objective when the smoke alarm goes off is to leave the building safely. Do not give it a second thought. Do not even bother to gather your things. Just head out immediately.
Stay low to the ground
If you are trapped in a room with clouds of thick smoke, stay low and crawl until you get yourself out unharmed. Doing so will prevent you from the toxic smoke and scorching flames. If you can, wet a cloth and cover your nose and mouth with it to prevent smoke inhalation, which can lead to unconsciousness and disorientation.
Position yourself where people from the outside can see you
When trapped in a burning building or home, remember to stay in a place where responders can easily see you. Do not open the windows, though, because doing so will draw in more oxygen making the fire bigger.
Post-fire
After the fire has been put out, contact a Scottsdale Fire Damage Repair Company to assist you in the restoration process. ASAP Restoration, a trusted Scottsdale Fire Damage Repair Company, will be able to assess and evaluate your home damages in no time.
