In Case of Fire...

In just 10 minutes, this was what remained

All through winter, we've had a great number of fires in Columbia - in apartment complexes and single family homes. 

Last Saturday, a townhouse resident had just gone to bed when she heard a loud noise. She came out to see fire engulfing the balcony. Without stopping to put on her shoes, she ran out with her little dog and her purse. She says she had 2 minutes to run out of the back door before the explosion. The whole structure and its contents burned down in 10 minutes!

True story.

 

Though the cause of this fire is not known yet (insurance investigators will figure it out) there are the 4 main types of fire:
1.      Cooking – Grease fires
2.      Electric – old Space Heaters, open wires, faulty (or non-existent) GFCI outlets
3.      Inflammables – Christmas Trees, combustible liquids, etc.
4.      Lightning fires

Prevention is paramount. But being prepared is equally important:

1.      Smoke Detectors – change batteries regularly
2.      Make sure windows are open-able (older homes have windows painted shut)
3.      Fire Extinguisher
4.      Escape Ladder

More and more new homes have 2 stories with all bedrooms on the 2^nd floor. If a fire starts downstairs and there is smoke and flames coming up the staircase, how will you escape?

Conduct an annual fire drill. Teach children:

1.      How to call 911
2.      How to open windows and use the escape ladder
3.      Where to meet in case you are separated
4.      Memorize important phone numbers

In the event of a fire:

1.      Call 911
2.      Contain the fire, if possible
3.      Round up children, pets and older family members
4.      GET OUT!

What do you do if you are trapped in a room?

1.      Close the door
2.      Put wet towels or sheets under the door to keep out smoke
3.      Make a mask to cover your nose and mouth
4.      Open the window only after shutting the door!
5.      Jump out of the window or use escape ladder

Let the Fire Brigade do their job!

 
What do families do when they are displaced due to a fire? They may have no shelter, clothes or food. The Red Cross disaster team (I am a humble volunteer) steps in and helps them with their immediate needs - with shelter, food, and health and emotional health services, and assists them in resuming their normal daily activities.