As a mom, you worry about everything. It’s easy to always imagine the worst, but it’s always good to be prepared for it. Good fire prevention and preparedness will help you sleep easy, knowing that you’ve done everything you can to prevent a fire from breaking out in your home and that your family has a plan in case one does.
Put these fire safety tips into practice and rest easy knowing that you’ve prepared for the worst and done everything you can to minimize fire risks in your home.
#1 Teach the Kids Your Evacuation Plan
Create an evacuation plan for your whole family and make sure your kids know the drill. Start by making a map of your house and charting escape routes for everyone. Everyone should have two ways out of each room, including doors and windows.
You should also practice drills with younger kids so that they know what to do in an emergency. As you do these drills, check each escape route to make sure they’re clear from obstructions and can be opened easily.
#2 Kitchen Fire Safety
The kitchen is one of the most common sources of house fires. Paying extra attention when you’re actively cooking and being prepared in case anything happens will help you prevent fires and respond appropriately if one does ignite in your kitchen.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep combustible and flammable materials like paper towels and dishcloths away from the stovetop.
- Keep a lid nearby that can contain things if the contents of a pot catch fire.
- Keep a fire extinguisher close to hand, either wall-mounted or under the kitchen sink.
- If a fire breaks out that can’t be put out, evacuate the house and contact 9-1-1.
#3 Be Prepared to Make an Insurance Claim
Making an insurance claim is a stressful experience, and if there’s been a fire in your home, it’s something you have to handle while your family adjusts and begins a difficult emotional recovery. In case a fire ever happens, you can do yourself a favor by preparing for your insurance claim:
- Know who to contact if you need help with a residential claim, such as an insurance lawyer.
- Keep an up-to-date home inventory of your belongings.
- Get an estimate for the construction costs by talking to local builders.
#4 Basic Fire Prevention
In addition to taking extra measures in the kitchen, basic fire prevention throughout the house will minimize other risk factors. You should:
- Take extra precautions with candles by never leaving them unattended and keeping them away from flammables.
- Store propane tanks upright, outdoors, away from flammable materials, and out of direct sunlight.
- Test your smoke detectors on a monthly basis.
Every family needs a fire evacuation plan, but you can supplement your fire safety plan by taking preventative measures throughout your home, particularly in the kitchen. Preparing for an insurance claim in case the worst happens will also give you peace of mind. Should anything happen, you’ll be better prepared to get the financial support your family needs to recover.
