The 3 P’s of Fire Safety

by Mike Talotta, PA-C, AHN Pediatrics Allegheny

As summer winds down and we move towards winter, don’t forget

the importance of fire safety. While house fires can occur at any time throughout the year, they are more common during the cooler months. Fireplaces, furnaces, electric blankets, and candles are just a few of the reasons that the rate of house fires increase in the winter. As a parent, how can you protect your family? The 3 P’s of Fire Safety are a good start!

1. Prepare: No one ever plans for their house to catch on fire, but you should be prepared for the unexpected. Consider these ideas when preparing your family for an emergency: > Make sure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that you change the batteries regularly. > Test your smoke detectors monthly and make sure that everyone in the house knows what to do when they alarm. > Develop an emergency plan with a designated meeting spot in the event of an emergency (for example, a neighbor’s porch, a mailbox, or a street sign). Make sure that everyone knows how to get out of the house and where to meet in case you are separated. > Consider buying emergency escape ladders for rooms with high windows. > Discuss how to recognize an emergency with your children. > Make sure that your children know how to access and use a phone and how to call 911. > Educate babysitters and neighbors about your emergency plans and meeting spot.

2. Prevent: It is important to think ahead about how to avoid a fire in your house. To reduce the risk of a fire in your home: > Have your furnace and fireplaces inspected and maintenanced regularly. > Store matches and lighters out of reach of children. > Move anything flammable away from space heaters, fireplaces, or other heating equipment. > Turn off electric blankets and space heaters when leaving the room. > Never leave food unattended while cooking. > Never leave candles unattended, and use caution or avoid use around pets and small children.

3. Practice: Just like any skill, it is easy to forget! Practice your emergency plan twice per year! This will help remind everyone what the smoke alarm sounds like, how to evacuate the house, and remind everyone where the emergency meeting place is. Practice closing doors behind you as you leave the building as this can help contain the fire and slow its spread. Practice simulating smoky conditions and crouch or crawl out of the building. Do not underestimate how important this step is!

Preparation, prevention, and practice are important and may one day save a life. Engaging your children will help prevent fires, but will also ensure everyone is prepared in the event that it happens in your own home. Do you want more information about fire safety? Contact your local fire department for more information about how to keep your family safe.