The National Fire Prevention Association has designated each October as Fire Prevention Month. Public service organizations work together to educate adults and children about how to prevent fires and what to do if one should occur when they are at home, at school, or at work. The theme for the 2019 campaign is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape.”
Create and Practice an Emergency Escape Plan
If a fire starts, evacuating quickly can save lives. Flames and smoke can make it impossible to use doors, staircases, or elevators as escape routes, which is why it’s essential to create an emergency escape plan. Nevertheless, many families and businesses don’t have an escape plan, or they have a plan but rarely practice it. This can lead to a chaotic situation if a fire breaks out, especially if there are young children who don’t know what to do. Adults may frantically search for kids, which can waste precious time and endanger lives.
Install and Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Even though most adults understand the importance of smoke detectors, many homes don’t have them. Sometimes houses have smoke detectors, but homeowners don’t change the batteries as necessary and don’t test them monthly. This can cause the devices to fail when they are needed most. Smoke detectors should be installed on each floor of a home, near each bedroom, and in the basement and garage, if the house has them.
Carbon monoxide can be released by malfunctioning or improperly used appliances or by vehicles. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause flu-like symptoms or death if a person is exposed to a high concentration over a period of time. Despite the danger, many homes, businesses, and public buildings don’t have carbon monoxide detectors. Detectors should be included on each level of a building to alert people to danger.
Be Prepared for a Possible Fire
Even if you take precautions and educate family members, students, and workers on proper procedures, fires can still occur. This is why you should make sure that your home, school, or business has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and why you should practice emergency evacuation plans on a regular basis.
If a person is burned, receiving first aid before an ambulance arrives can improve the individual’s chance of making a full recovery. 1st Aid Supplies sells first aid kits and cabinets designed for homes, schools, and businesses. Our kits have all the essential supplies needed to treat burns and a wide range of other injuries. Order a first aid kit today.
