Home Fire Safety

The summer vacation season is almost upon us. Some working parents are forced to leave kids home alone. This year in a tight economy, there may not be money for summer camp for the children not needing a babysitter. The teens may not be able to find summer jobs.

A big concern in areas like Florida and California is the danger of brush fires. Parents should go over different scenarios with their children. Children think they are invincible, and sometimes don’t see the danger that adults see. Develop emergency plans with kids anyway. This is one situation an emergency cell phone is appropriate. Many options for cell phones are available, including getting a free cell phone in some states. Phones provided by the state have an income requirement.  Many parents don’t want their kids to have cell phones, but if the power goes out, a cell phone maybe the only means of communication for kids home alone.  It should be understood that that cell phone is part of the emergency kit, like the weather radio.  The cell phone should be kept charged. Create a plan specific for your family.

There’ve been several blackouts in the last 24 hours.  Unexpected disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, and human caused fires happen. Never leave burning candles unattended and never near children. Keep flashlights for use during power outrages. Outages lead to concerns for fire safety inside the home. According to the Home Safety Council fires and burns are the 3rd leading cause of unintentional home injury and related deaths.  Teach all family members how to use a fire extinguisher. Good places for extinguishers are the kitchen and garage. All family members should know where to locate them. Good idea to keep items that burn easily such as curtains and dish towels away from the stove and open flames. Use pot holders or oven mitts. Smoke outside and dispose of fire proof container. Have annual checkups done on your central furnaces, smoke detectors, chimneys, coal stoves, fireplaces and wood stoves. Turn space heaters off when you leave the room and go to sleep.

Make a fire escape plan for the family. Identify exits and meeting place if family members get separated.  Have a buddy system – which will assist the elder person or small child. Practice fire drills often with family members.