How to Prepare An At Home Fire Safety Plan

Do you have an at home fire safety plan for your belongings? Fire safety in the home is something we push to the back of our minds, thinking it only happens to other people.

Let's face it, no one wants to think about losing everything he owns in just a few short minutes. However, if left unprepared for a house fire, that's exactly what could happen.

Discover tips for making an at home fire safety plan for your family AND your belongings.

Things You'll Need

• Small Fire Proof Safe
• At least 3 Smoke Detectors
• Camera
• Sticker or Label for Window

Instructions

1. 

   Take pictures. An at home fire safety plan for your belongings involves taking pictures beforehand.

   Of course you know everything that's in your house, but trying to recollect every toothbrush, washcloth, and sweater can become overwhelming, after the fact. You will have to list all items for the insurance company. Your at home fire safety plan should involve being able to list what's in the home.

   Take pictures of every room, starting in one corner and working clockwise, overlapping pictures. This way, you have a better idea of all items in that room.

   Open entertainment center drawers, dresser drawers, sideboards, closets, pantries, china cabinets, storage rooms, etc. and take several shots.

2. 

   Install smoke detectors. One of the biggest factors for fire safety in the home involves installing at least 3 smoke detectors.

   One should be close to each door, as well as another safe route out of the house. By placing smoke detectors close to doors, you accomplish two tasks: Not only does this make enough noise to awaken the family, but it also serves as a way to know the exits by sound, should the smoke hinder your vision.

   Besides doors, consider a window large enough to break and escape through.

   Your at home fire safety plan has to be doable and not just sound good planned out. Also, don't forget to change the batteries in a smoke detector twice a year.

3. 

   Buy a fire proof safe. These things are worth their weight in gold and can be purchased at stores such as Wal-mart or Rite Aid for around $35.00.

   Place all legal documents, birth certificates, marriage license, and social security cards inside. Include several cherished photos that can't be replaced, such as baby or wedding pictures, and pictures needed for an itemized insurance list, should there be a total loss.

4. 

   Label windows. For fire safety in the home, if you have an elderly person or small child in the house, make sure to label the window of his/her bedroom to alert fireman.

   This could save time, which is crucial in a house fire situation. Be sure your at home fire safety plan considers the elderly, children and animals.

5. 

   Put pictures in the fire safe. Pictures are precious to everyone. Whether high school graduation, or a new baby leaving the hospital, there are certain photographs that just can't be replaced.

   In addition to placing several photos in the fire safe, give several extras copies away. This way, if there is a fire in the home, you always have some to make copies for replacing.

Tips & Warnings

• These tips should be followed in addition to having a fire extinguisher in the house and practicing a fire drill for a safe escape with the entire family.