How to Be Prepared in Case of Fire

Have a Fire Extinguisher Handy in all parts of your house.

Member

By Jill M
eHow Community Member

Article Rating:

(8 Ratings)

What would you do first if you knew there was a fire in your house? You can feel a little safer, if you take some simple steps to prepare yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Fire Extinguisher if you don't already have one in your home.
Watch Video link below if possible.

Step 1

In the case of a small, contained stove fire, a fire extinguisher can be used. However, you must already know how to use one, to be effective and timely enough for it to count. Keep yours in your kitchen, near enough to get to it quick, but not too close to the fire to reach it. Check it occasionally to insure it would work properly if needed.
Step 2

In the event of a larger fire, announce “FIRE!” loudly to everyone and gather all the smaller children immediately and usher them out of the house via the nearest safe door or window. Do not re-enter the home!
Step 3

If you are inside and don’t know if there is fire on the other side of a door, test the door before you open it. To do this, kneel down to stay under the smoke levels. Reach up around half way up the door, and touch the door with the back of your hand. If there's a fire on the other side, it will feel warm on the knob and around the cracks. Do not touch the handle or other parts of the door with your palm, as you may burn your hands, and you will need to be able to use your hands.
If the door is warm, try another escape route.
Step 4

Take the kids and go straight to a neighbor's house and call 911 from there.

Comments

Tippy said

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on 6/10/2008 All very good instructions. I'm always saddened by families who lose loved ones in a fire just because they were not prepared.

Great article.

guardtoday said

on 3/5/2008 Your article is very inportant to everyone.Love the video on how to check the discharge on a fire extinguisher very helpful.

Safe & Secure http://www.guardyourselfnow.com

MidniteWriter said

on 2/15/2008 Oh, and make sure you have a meeting place for family members once you are all out.

on 2/15/2008 There are even canned extinguishers available at hardware stores now. So if you're like me and are mechanically challenged, all you have to do is push a button! Great article!