How To Avoid The Tragedy Of Fire

About every 45 seconds a fire breaks out in a home somewhere in the United States.

Each year fire takes close to 7,500 lives and causes billions of dollars of damage.

These grim statistics may not mean much . . . unless the fire is in your home or that of a loved one.

Here Are Some Basic Things You Can Do To Help Ensure The Safety Of Your Family:

	Eliminate potential fire hazards.
	Install and maintain smoke detectors.
	Develop and practice a family escape plan.

Eliminating Fire Hazards

	Keep trash in covered containers and dispose of it regularly.
	Store paints, paint thinners and other flammable materials in their original containers . . . away from fire sources.
	Clean work areas of paint, sawdust or trash after every project.
	Don't overload circuits or use frayed electrical extension cords.
	Have all electrical wiring checked by a competent electrician periodically to make sure it is not faulty.
	Use only fuses and circuit breakers which bear the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) or some other recognized testing laboratory.
	Never run an extension cord under a rug or behind curtains.
	Do not let large amounts of trash accumulate, either indoors or outdoors. Clean attics, basements, closets and garages frequently.

Installing Smoke Detectors

	Install at least one smoke detector in the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
	Consider installing additional smoke detectors, especially if your home has more than one level.
	Make sure smoke detectors are of a type approved by Underwriter's Laboratories or other recognized testing laboratory.
	If your detectors are battery operated, check the batteries often to make sure the unit is operational.
	The ear-piercing alarm of the smoke detector may provide you and your family with the precious extra minutes that you need to escape, especially at night (when most fires occur).

Developing a Family Escape Plan

	Sketch the layout of each floor, including windows, doors and stairways. Make sure that every family member is familiar with the layout.
	Work out two escape routes from each room and mark them clearly on the sketch.
	Hold frequent fire drills, including some at night, so everyone will know what to do and be able to act quick in an emergency.
	Assign a member of the family to be responsible for the elderly or the very young to help them escape.
	Designate a meeting place outside of the home and instruct everyone to go there at once in case of fire.
	Count heads, stay together and do not go back into the house for personal belongings.

Coldwell Banker Armstrong-Davis Realty (304) 472-7100