Holiday Home Security: Preventing fire Oftentimes, we get busy and don't pay attention to what is happening at home. Take some time to go over these important facts to make sure you don't allow unsafe conditions. Plan and practice an exit strategy in case of emergency, such as a fire or noxious fumes. Make sure everyone keeps the house in an orderly manner to avoid obstacles blocking exit paths. Fire is dark, fast and hot. You can't see in a fire situation, particularly on overcast days, at night or when the power is out. The hot air robs the oxygen from the room so you can't breathe. A racing fire gives you no time to think, just a sliver of time to react by running to the nearest exit. Don't stop to grab a pet, a photo album, a treasured heirloom. You won't be enjoying them if you're dead, and your life is in extreme danger. Be ready to exit from wherever you are, as an automatic reaction.
Sleeping on the first floor will give you precious seconds to exit the house. If you are remodeling, consider expanding the house's foundation instead of adding another floor. If you go up, keep a rope ladder in every upstairs room. Construction costs can be lowered by using steel 2-by-4's instead of wood. DON'T DO IT! In a fire, room temperatures can skyrocket in mere seconds to 3000 or 4000 degrees. Steel will melt and fold, taking the drywall with it, trapping you inside. Regardless of whether you are building new or remodeling, the wooden posts that cost just a little more will give you the precious time you need to escape with your life. PREVENTING FIRES to keep fires from starting, do regular maintenance around the house that will keep it safe and healthy for your loved ones.