Every 15 seconds a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States. Some are in response to a small contained kitchen fire, others for a fire that ends in a total loss. None of us ever expect a fire to ignite in our own home, but it is important for us all to prepared. Fires occur quickly and can totally destroy your house and contents. Make sure you are prepared before such a disastrous event happens.
One of the first steps you should take is to install smoke detectors on every floor of the home. In many cases, the sounding alarm is the first indicator a fire has broken out.
In addition to detectors, every household should have a fire safety escape plan. A fire safety escape plan tells everyone what to do if your home catches on fire. Your family needs to discuss fire safety issues, and design an escape plan for your home. The escape plan needs to inform everyone in your family of the two safest routes out of each room in your house and where to meet once outside.
Once a fire has broken out, the number one goal is to get out as quickly and safely as possible. As much as you want to gather up some material possessions, the only concern should be human safety. The few seconds it may take you to gather up pictures and jewelry, may be the few seconds that allow you to escape without harm.
Once a fire has broken out, the number one goal is to get out as quickly and safely as possible. As much as you want to gather up some material possessions, the only concern should be human safety. The few seconds it may take you to gather up pictures and jewelry, may be the few seconds that allow you to escape without harm.
- A fire loss to your home may be the most devastating event you will ever encounter, but following the steps we’ve just discussed can help alleviate some of the stresses that can occur once the reality of what has happened settles in.
- Document, Document, Document – Create a spreadsheet, either on the computer or by hand, of all your personal property. Go through each room of your home and document your possessions and their purchase price. Also record model and serial numbers and attach receipts if available.
- Document, Document, Document – Create a spreadsheet, either on the computer or by hand, of all your personal property. Go through each room of your home and document your possessions and their purchase price. Also record model and serial numbers and attach receipts if available.
- Photograph each room as well as your possessions. Print a hard copy to keep and make notes on them. Also consider making a digital copy to store off-site.
- Store all valuable papers and CD’s, as well as the above documentation, in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
A fire loss to your home may be the most devastating event you will ever encounter, but following the steps we’ve just discussed can help alleviate some of the stresses that can occur once the reality of what has happened settles in.