(ARA)
- Do your kids know what to do in the event of a fire? Do they know
who to call or what to say? How much have you taught them about fire
safety? According to the United States Fire Administration, more than
80 percent of fire deaths occur in residences and cooking fires are
the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries! To keep your family
protected, it is the responsibility of every member of the family
to know what to do in the event of a fire.
By
teaching children a few essential safety guidelines, parents can help
protect the whole family. Here are a few simple tips to keep you out
of danger:
-
Install
smoke detectors on all floors of your home (see manufacturers’
directions for proper placement) and remember to change the batteries
twice a year.
-
Practice
a family fire drill monthly. Explain the importance of getting
out of a burning house safely. Instruct children to take nothing
with them – no toys, etc. Plan two escape routes to the
outside from each room.
-
Practice
dialing 911 with young children. Rehearse what they should say
in an emergency. Remember if there is a big fire going out of
control, leave the house immediately, dial 911 and do not go back
into the house for anything.
-
If
hair or clothing catch fire Stop, Drop and Roll! to put out the
flames.
-
Have
help in the kitchen. A great aid in the initial handling of small
kitchen and electrical fires is probably already in your cabinet
-- Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.
For
initial handling of small kitchen or electrical fires, quickly turn
off gas or electricity while standing back and tossing handfuls of
the baking soda at base of flames. If the fire continues to burn,
leave the house immediately and dial 911. Designate a box of Arm &
Hammer Baking Soda specifically as the family’s “Fire
Safety Soda” and always keep it handy in the kitchen.
For
treating minor burns: Apply cold water and ice immediately. Apply
a soothing baking soda paste (3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part cold water)
to the burned area and cover with a cool damp cloth. If the burn is
serious (more than a superficial skin burn), call your doctor or 911.
It
is never too soon to teach your family how to be safe. Taking a few
small preventative measures now is certainly a lot easier than dealing
with the damaging effects of a fire in your home.
Courtesy
of ARA Content
