Prepare Your Family For A House Fire

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire can be frightening and preparing your family ahead of time can ensure everyone gets out safely. Take a few minutes to review the tips below and go over them with your family. 
  
Escape Plan 

 
You should first ensure that your entire family knows what to do in case of a fire in your home. Make an escape plan and practice it several times per year with your family. Make sure your family members know not to put their lives in danger to save possessions, but instead go the way out that is most direct. If you must exit through smoke, know to drop down under it and try to cover your mouth to keep from breathing smoke indirectly. If a door is hot to the touch, do not open it or go through it. 
   
Stop, Drop, Roll 

 
Everyone should know how to do this if fire catches on your clothes. Drop to the ground right away, cross your hands over your chest, and roll forward and back until you smother the flames completely. Cool the area that is burned with water and call for medical attention right away for serious burns. 
  
Fire Extinguishers 

 
A workshop, fireplace, and kitchen should have fire extinguishers nearby. Every family member should know how to use it properly. Extinguishers need to be regularly recharged, inspected or replaced as necessary. 
  
Stove Fires 

A small kitchen fire can be put out by suffocating the fire by putting a lid on the pan, turning the stove off and letting the pan sit unmoved until the flames are smothered. Extinguish small grease fires by putting baking soda on them, but do not ever use water. 
 

SERVPRO of Newport News is available to help you clean up fire damage at any time. We know how important it is to act quickly, the sooner you call us (757) 244-8467, the sooner we can stop further damage from soot and smoke.