A woman barely had time to save her 5-year-old daughter from an explosive house fire. It took just minutes for the small electrical fire to turn into an inferno. The family made it out alive, but barely.
It took 35 firefighters to combat the dangerous flames that took over power lines and blew transformers. Now, all that remains is a charred pile of rubble.
This kind of tragedy is unimaginable. These quick and simple fire safety tips will provide ways to keep your Utah family safe if a fire breaks out.
- Test Your Smoke Detectors
Smoke alarms are very inexpensive in Utah County. The device will alert you to any smoke coming from your house. Show your young children what they sound like. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use them and test them monthly.
- Teach Children to Avoid Common Causes of Fire
Keep flammables away from open fires. Don’t leave matches, lighters, or cigarettes lying around. Never leave cooking unattended. Don’t put water on a grease fire. Make sure your home’s electrical wires are new and protected.
- Have a Family Meeting About Fire Safety
Have a family meeting about fire safety. Children are scared of the unknown, talk about all the what if’s with them. Discuss what each person should know about fire safety and practice those skills together.
- Practice Fire Escape Routes
Draw out evacuation routes. Pick a meeting place for your family members to go after they evacuate. Practice these escape routes together once a year. Teach children how to call emergency services.
- Buy a Small Fire Safe
Keep all important items and records in a heat protected safe. Items may include: backup harddrive, birth certificates, social security card, other important documents.
With these quick tips, you and your family can feel more confident about fire safety. As a Utah parent, you can feel secure knowing that your children will have an action plan if a fire were to occur.
