Fire Safety

Planning Fire Exits
The Holiday season is one of my favorite time’s of the year. The saddest moment is turning on the news to hear about a family that has lost everything due to fire. The tragedy is bad enough, but happening around the holiday season seems to add more of a devastating experience to an already tragic incident. What can we all do to make sure that we are safe and secure with our family this Holiday season.
First of all inform all family members and anyone visiting where fire exits are located at throughout your house from top to bottom. Make sure especially small children understand the importance of keeping the zones clear for fire exits.
Do not place presents or anything that has been moved temporarily to an isle blocking doors or windows. If possible Tape all cords and strands of lights to an overhead fixture to prevent a trip or a fall in an emergency situation. Keep all wrapping paper far enough away from any heating elements to prevent sparks or any chance of fire.

All paths from the farthest point upstairs to doorways or windows must be free of any heavy furniture in order to make the most effective and efficient use of fire exits. Rope ladders with sturdy and durable hooks can be purchased from approved vendors to keep in your upstairs rooms to be near all windows designated fire exits. Remember to clear stairwells of shoes and all items to make a safe and clear path for fire exits. From basement areas without lower outside exits, inform all members in the household of windows in lower levels, and how they can be removed for a safe fire exit. Glass block or any type of permanent window fixture should never be used in a lower area without an outside entryway.
Garages- Single car attached garages should have a clear path long enough to move family members on either side of the car for a straight exit from the house to the outside area. Family members should be shown an emergency disconnect cord for electric garage door openers in case of power outage in a fire. Once the cord is pulled and the door is free it will be easier to lift for a safe and fast fire exit. With families with an extra car or collector car in the corner of the garage, sometimes the area around the car becomes a staging point in the garage. Always be aware when you place an item around the project that you keep in mind safe and effective fire exits.

Shrubs should be cut low and out from the lower levels of your home. With a clear path between your house and shrubs your family members will have room to get out a window and maneuver without being trapped. Besides being a safe fire exit, well kept shrubbery and landscape also is a robbery deterrent exposing any potential hiding place for unwanted personal around your home.
Another outdoor plan for safe fire exits is solar lights along the walkway. In case of power outage due to fire, the solar lights will still work and provide a safe lighted pathway for your family. Motion detectors that are solar powered can be strategically placed around the outside of the house also to provide light when needed. When a fire occurs it is a devastating event for the family, however with proper planning and attention to detail, the most important asset in the home can be saved, the family.