Disasters such as home fires and weather-related emergencies often occur between the hours of 8 o’clock p.m. and 8 o’clock a.m., leaving little time for thought. And a neighborhood-wide emergency evacuation, like we’ve all seen in recent forest fire activity, can leave a family with as little as 10 minutes to gather their belongings before vacating the premises. With these facts in place, it is easy to see how well-devised and well-rehearsed emergency evacuation plans can save lives and loss of valuables.

To create your own home emergency evacuation plan, follow these basic steps:

1. Establish two means of exit from any room in the house.
2. Map out a general escape route.
3. Make certain every family member is aware of the location of any emergency equipment in the house (i.e. fire extinguisher, safety ladder, first aid kit, etc). Train age-appropriate family members in the use of this equipment.
4. Decide on a family meeting place, outside the home, such as a specific tree in the front yard.
5. Create a simple emergency to-do (or not-to-do) list. For example, don’t hide under the bed during a fire, stay away from windows during inclement weather, and stop-drop-and-roll.

Emergency evacuation plans are also necessary in the event of a large-scale disaster. People living in areas that are often hit hard by tornadoes, hurricanes or wild fires may have a need for an emergency evacuation plan that includes neighborhood escape routes and other longer range issues.

• Keep a local map on hand and have several emergency evacuation routes pre-determined.
• Make a list of where you keep your important paperwork, such as social security cards, birth certificates, etc. Having a list of passwords for computer accounts will also come in handy.
• Keep critical phone numbers either stored in your cell phone or in an easy-to-reach location.
• Choose an out-of-area contact so family members that are separated during an emergency evacuation can call to get their loved-ones’ whereabouts.
• Decide on an out-of-town location as your family’s designated meeting place.

With planning also comes the need for practice and of course, prevention. Having regular emergency evacuation drills will make it easier to follow the established plan during a crisis situation. And equipment like fire alarms, carbon dioxide monitors, and weather radios can add crucial seconds in the case of an actual emergency.

No one wants to be caught unprepared during an emergency. Without an expertly devised emergency survival guide, you may find yourself with a basement full of canned goods and no can opener. The following emergency survival guide will teach you what items you really need to have on hand and also show you how to determine the general safety of your home.

Food and Water Emergency Supplies

- 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- 3-day supply of non-perishable foods (try to maintain a healthy variety)
- 1 non-electric can opener
- 3-day supply of baby formula, if needed (may require extra water)
- 3-day supply of pet food, if needed (may require additional water)
- 7-day supply of medications

All Purpose Emergency Supplies

- Flashlight
- Hand-crank or battery-operated radio
- Extra batteries of various sizes
- Small first-aid kit
- Bleach for use in sanitation
- Garbage bags
- Baby wipes or moist hand wipes
- Matches sealed in a waterproof bag
- A whistle or possibly flares to alert authorities to your location

Personal Effects and Miscellaneous Emergency Supplies

- Blankets for warmth and bedding
- Extra set of clothes for each family member
- Toiletries
- Diapers if needed
- Pen, pencil and paper
- Books or small games for children
- Copies of all important paperwork kept in a waterproof bag

Part of a proper emergency survival guide is addressing the overall safety of a home. What good are emergency supplies if your home cannot provide a safe shelter? Outfitting your home with the following items could even keep a potentially dangerous situation from ever reaching the emergency stage:

- Working smoke detectors on every level and near every bedroom
- A portable fire extinguisher
- A carbon monoxide detector
- Pre-determined place to go in case of weather emergency, with the basement being the best location

A little preparation and a whole lot of prevention can go a long way. Gathering emergency supplies can easily fit into everyday shopping trips and children actually enjoy helping out. Following the tips listed in this emergency survival guide will help to ensure your family’s safety during any emergency.

A smoke alarm is the single most important step you can take to help ensure your fire safety. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about smoke alarms.

Does a smoke alarm really help in a fire?

The answer is absolutely. Smoke alarms save lives. The majority of lives that are lost due to home fires are lost because there were no working smoke detectors in the home.

How does a smoke alarm work?

Smoke detectors have smoke sensors that trip the alarm when smoke is in the room. The detectors will sound a loud audible alarm that should be loud enough to wake someone who is sleeping. Some smoke alarms also have emergency lights that will illuminate when they sound in order to provide light to see the exit. Most smoke alarms work using batteries.

What is the best placement for smoke detectors?

Smoke alarms should be placed near the ceilings of rooms. There should be, at the very least, one smoke alarm per floor. Larger homes should ideally have one placed in every room of the home and in each hallway. With smoke alarms, more is usually better. Only the smoke alarms that detect smoke will sound off. If placed outside of bedrooms, make certain they can be heard through closed doors and are loud enough to awaken a sound sleeper. Place smoke detectors where you can easily check them by standing on a ladder.

How do I choose the best smoke alarm?

Smoke detectors come in a large variety of styles and price ranges. Those with emergency lights are more expensive than basic smoke alarms. Choose the ones with emergency lights for placement in hallways and near doors. During a fire, the electricity is often out. Additionally, the smoke may be quite thick, making navigation difficult.

How do I test a smoke alarm?

Smoke detectors should be tested to ensure they are in working order. Since most smoke detectors are battery-operated, it is imperative that they be tested to make sure the unit is still functioning. There is a test button located on the smoke alarm; press it to make sure the alarm sounds. Test all smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries every year whether they need it or not. Don’t skimp on the smoke alarm batteries. Instead, choose reliable, long-lasting batteries.

What else should I do to ensure fire safety?

Smoke alarms alone aren’t enough. You must talk to your family about how smoke detectors work and what every person needs to do if they hear the smoke alarm sound. Create an escape plan and practice fire drills with the family, so everyone is comfortable with what to do in case of a fire.

There are thousands of house fires that take place every week in the United States. Many of them result in complete devastation and loss of life. Yet many lives can be saved with the use of a fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinklers are so effective that they are often required in the new construction of apartment buildings and condominiums. Having a fire sprinkler system, along with smoke detectors, reduces the risk of home fire death by 82 percent.

A fire sprinkler system helps to contain the fire and stop it before it spreads. Fires begin in one room and can quickly spread to other areas of the house. The resulting fire and smoke may make it impossible for people to escape unharmed. Residential fire sprinklers are the best way to keep your family safe in the event of a home fire.

Installing residential fire sprinklers is an efficient way to protect your home from fire. The latest fire sprinkler systems are advanced and provide the best protection while looking up-to-date. You’ve probably noticed the fire sprinkler system at a store or warehouse and see that the sprinkler heads are exposed. Residential fire sprinklers are installed with aesthetics in mind. Sprinkler heads are recessed and are concealed in the ceiling. The sprinkler heads open up only in the event of a fire.

Residential fire sprinklers use a plug that is released once a specific temperature is reached. A residential fire sprinkler system is best installed during the construction phase of the home. The sprinkler heads are connected to a water source, just as other water pipes in the home. The cost to install this type of system during construction is relatively low.

Sprinkler heads have a specific area of coverage. To best protect during a fire, have a professional determine the exact location of each sprinkler head based on the height and water pattern. The sprinkler heads are typically independent of each other, meaning that only the ones that reach the heat temperature required will release. This keeps water damage to a minimum. Residential fire sprinklers use much less water than the fire department uses when they put out a fire. This is because the water use is confined to only the area that needs it.

Residential fire sprinklers provide maximum protection, minimal damage and can save lives. Use a fire sprinkler system in conjunction with other fire safety precautions, such as smoke alarms, to give your home and family the ultimate in fire protection.

Everyone should be aware of how to protect him or herself in case of a house fire. Home fire safety needs to be part of every family’s emergency plan. Even small children can learn the basics of fire safety and prevention. Most home fires are caused by careless actions and could have been prevented. Yet fires occur in thousands of homes and affect many lives every year. There are some important fire safety tips that help prevent fires. Use this fire prevention checklist to assist in making your home as safe as possible.

• Install smoke detectors in every room and hallway. Smoke detectors are the single most important item that can help save lives in the case of a fire—a home fire safety must-have. Smoke detectors give early warning to people so that they can escape a burning building quickly.
• Check smoke detectors every month. Don’t let non-working smoke detectors hamper your home fire safety. A smoke detector has an easy test button that allows you to make sure it is working properly. Change the batteries every year whether they need it or not.
• Keep fire extinguishers available. Make sure that you have the proper type of fire extinguishers. For example, the kitchen needs an extinguisher designed for use on grease fires.
• Create a home fire emergency evacuation plan. This should include possible escape routes, as well as a location outside the home to be used as a meeting place for the family. Practice evacuation so that all family members know what to do in case of a fire. Home fire safety means planning ahead.
• When using candles, make sure to extinguish them completely before leaving the room. Never leave unattended candles burning.
• Many house fires begin in the kitchen. Don’t leave the kitchen with the burners or broiler on. Never leave the house while cooking – always turn the burners off. This is a critical element in fire safety tips.
• Be prepared for a grease fire by keeping flour near the cooking area. Flour can be used to successfully snuff out a grease fire quickly and easily. Also, keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Don’t try to put out a grease fire with water, as this will only spread the fire.
• Electrical fires are commonly associated with overuse of outlets. For optimum home fire safety, don’t plug too many things into one outlet. Use extension cords carefully and plug only one item into an extension cord.
• Space heaters can create a fire. Don’t use space heaters on carpeting or near curtains or bedding. Always place heaters on a secure surface, and plug them directly into the wall rather than into an extension cord, which typically can’t handle them.
• Unplug appliances when not in use. Irons and toasters should be unplugged except during use. Don’t put irons down directly onto the ironing board surface.
• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of young children. Children are often curious and can quickly burn themselves or start a fire.
• Properly dispose of items such as old paint, turpentine and gasoline. These can become combustible no matter where they are stored, and disposing of them when you’re finished using them is a home fire security must.
• Keep a fire prevention kit on each level of your home. The kit should contain a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and flashlight (specially designed to be used in smoke). Keep extra fire extinguishers in every bathroom cabinet for easy use.

A house fire can create a distressing situation for all involved. The best way to be ready for a house fire is by being prepared with a plan, including having fire blankets, fire extinguishers and a fire ladder close by. This means that your family needs to know what to do in case of a fire, including what exits to use. It is even helpful, particularly for young children, to practice a home fire drill. If you live or sleep on an upper floor of the home, flames and smoke may block your only exit. Sometimes the only way out is through the window using a fire ladder.

If your home is on fire, the first thing to do is to feel the doorway for heat. Never open up your door if it feels warm or hot. Instead you will need to get to the window, which is why a fire ladder is a necessity. Make sure that the window is free from heat and flames before opening it. If you can’t open the window, break the glass. The open window will provide you with fresh air so that you can breathe more easily. Get a wet rag and hold it over your mouth and nose if the smoke is filling your room.

A fire ladder is easy to use: Simply open up the ladder, with the long part dangling outside the window. The fire ladder has two large hooks, which fit easily over the windowsill to secure the ladder in place. If there is someone outside, alert him or her that you are coming down the ladder. If there are several people who need to use the ladder, assist children or the elderly down it. The fire safety ladder will hang down far enough to get you safely to the ground from the second floor. Once you reach the ground, run safely away from the building to get fresh air and avoid heat and flames.

Each upstairs room should have a fire ladder. A fire safety ladder often comes in a box that can be kept under the bed or near the window. Make sure you know exactly where the ladder is located so you can find it even in the dark. Don’t wait until there is a house fire to hook up the ladder. Take it out of the box and see how it attaches to the window, so that you will be able to do it quickly in an emergency. Explain the fire ladder to everyone in the home. Most important, a fire safety ladder helps save lives.

A house fire can be devastating both physically and emotionally. The loss of your home and all your belongings can make you feel violated. You and your family will feel the effects of the loss for days, weeks, months even years to come. If you’ve endured a house fire, take things one day at a time to work through the loss and to bring about the best recovery process.

1. Contact your homeowner’s insurance company. They can help you immediately. The adjuster will talk to you about your urgent benefits and choices and will guide you through the entire claim process from start to finish. Although it’s difficult following a house fire, try to remain as calm as possible.
2. Take notes. Start a notebook and keep it with you at all times. Write down everything that is important or relevant. Use it to keep people’s names and phone numbers, and document all your conversations with your insurance company. House fires are devastating and overwhelming, and it’s likely you might not recall important conversations. Keeping a record of everything always helps.
3. Find a place to stay. Often, your insurance policy may cover your living expenses while your home is being repaired after a house fire. Determine your best living arrangements, taking into consideration proximity to your children’s school and the amount of room you need, including for pets. While the arrangement is temporary, it can take several months or more to get back to normal, so choose a place where you can stay for many months if necessary.
4. Save what you can. Depending on the severity of the house fire, this may not be possible. Try to go through the ruins to find remnants of anything that you can retrieve and save. You may find that what hasn’t been burned is now ruined by smoke or water damage. Get a storage unit to keep any of your possessions until you determine what to do with them. Prevention is best—fireproof safes will save your precious belongings in case of a house fire.
5. Catalog your losses. This may be one of the most difficult assignments you’ve ever had to complete. Not only is it difficult to remember everything you own, but it’s also emotionally draining to pour over all your possessions in your mind.
6. Be aware of scammers. You may start getting phone calls from all sorts of people and businesses who claim they want to help you; however, they merely capitalize on house fires. All of your requests should be handled through your insurance company to avoid being ripped off during this vulnerable time.
7. Hire a public adjuster. If you have encountered extensive damage after a house fire, you may want to get assistance. A public adjuster will work with you to help catalog your damages and losses. You can then work with your insurance adjuster to come to a proper settlement.
8. Get repair estimates. This can be a long and tedious process. Start by getting the names of various reputable local businesses that take care of the items you need repaired. The repair or replacement may depend on how much damage was sustained.
9. Get support from family and friends. Whether you need material support, financial support or moral support, your friends and family will be there to help you. Don’t feel like you have to go it alone, and don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need now. People empathize with you—a house fire is indeed a devastating event.
10. Have patience. Sometimes insurance settlements can take three to nine months. In the meantime, try to keep updated with your adjuster weekly to help keep things moving along.
11. Take care of yourself and your family. Get and give the emotional support needed. A house fire can have a damaging and lasting effect on everyone in the home, including the kids. Spend some time with a therapist to come to terms with the loss.

Most people agree that it’s important to practice fire safety in the home. This includes keeping a fire extinguisher, fire ladder and fire blanket in your home. Many people are not familiar with fire blankets and how they work. A fire blanket can mean the difference between life and death. Fire deaths occur every day, yet many could be avoided with some simple preparation.

Fire blankets are affordable and easy to use. They work by snuffing out the fire to keep it from spreading. There are different types of fire blankets, including those that are used on fires, as well as those that can be used on people. A fire blanket is particularly good for putting out kitchen fires, which are often grease fires. Fire blankets are thrown onto the top of the fire to effectively smother it out. Without oxygen, a fire can no longer burn and a fire blanket works to eliminate oxygen from fueling the fire.

Fire blankets can also be used to put out fires that are actually burning on people. You probably remember the old phrase “stop, drop and roll,” referring to what to do if you find yourself on fire. The idea is to stop running – running simply adds additional oxygen to spread the fire – drop to the ground and roll your body to smother the fire; a fire blanket performs the same function. It can also be used to wrap around yourself as you make your way out of a burning building.

Fire blankets are affordable and can be easily stored and washed. They are typically made of special fireproof woven material, such as heat retardant wool or coated materials. They are quite effective for putting out small fires, particularly in the kitchen, but can be used on any fire. Since they are inexpensive and easy to store, they should be made part of every home’s emergency fire safety kit.

Fire blankets are very easy to use. Simply unfold the blanket to its full size and throw the blanket onto the middle of the fire. If the fire is contained to a specific area, such as the stovetop or the toaster, put the blanket directly onto the area to cover it as completely as possible. Keep a fire blanket in everyone’s closet and explain the use for it. It can be used to wrap around yourself as you try to escape from a burning area of the home, and it will safely get you through harm’s way. Practice using them so that you know how to work with them and can find them easily in case of an emergency situation. You can purchase fire blankets at any fire safety shop or online.

Your neighborhood fire department provides protection for you and your family in case of a fire or other emergency. Your local fire department provides community fire safety to help keep you safe. Local firefighters are trained to provide the highest level of support in fighting fires and saving lives, and they are continuously offering the community firefighter safety tips.

Community fire safety begins with your local fire department. The local fire department distributes firefighter safety tips to help ensure that every neighborhood is safe. Firefighters have events where the community is invited to come and learn more about fire safety. They take every opportunity available to educate everyone, from children to adults, about firefighter safety tips. In fact, some departments give out free smoke alarms to local residents.

Some fire departments put on CPR classes, as well as drug awareness programs. They do a lot more than simply put out fires; they clean up leaks and spills, help extricate car accident victims and assist with carbon monoxide emergencies. The men and women of your local fire department go through rigorous training and stay in good physical condition to dedicate themselves to the safety of their community.

Here are some of the top firefighter safety tips:

• Install smoke detectors in all areas of your home. Most serious injuries and deaths occur when there are no working smoke detectors to alert the family in case of a fire.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries each year to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Keep fire extinguishers in every room of the home. Ensure that the fire extinguisher in the kitchen is rated for grease fires. Don’t throw water on a grease fire, as this will only spread it. If you’re unsure of your extinguisher’s rating, take it to your nearby department for additional firefighter safety tips.
• Make a family fire safety plan. This includes talking with your family about what to do in case of an emergency. If the entire community participates in a plan, you have each contributed to community fire safety.
• Map your exits. When a fire occurs, the electricity goes out and the home can be dark and filled with thick smoke. This makes escape difficult. Know where the exits are and which ones to use if there is a fire.
• Practice your escape. As a family, practice by conducting your own fire drill. Set a specific place away from the home to meet, such as in front of a particular tree. Designate a relative to call in case anyone gets separated.
• Don’t keep flammable items in the home. Dispose of products such as gasoline and turpentine properly.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children. These items can quickly cause severe burns and can also start a fire. These are one of the most important firefighter safety tips that children will learn in school, but talk about it continuously—even before they begin grade school.
• Don’t overuse electrical sockets and extension cords. Overloading sockets and extension cords can lead to fire. Make sure extension cords have been UL tested for safety.
• Wear flame retardant sleepwear. If there is a fire, pajamas that aren’t treated can catch on fire and cause severe skin burns when material fuses to skin.
• Take care when using space heaters. Don’t use kerosene space heaters indoors and never use space heaters near bedding or curtains that can catch on fire.
• If your home is on fire, don’t exit immediately. Before opening any doors, feel them first. If they are extremely hot, do not open them. When exiting the home, stay low to the ground where the smoke is less thick. Hold a wet towel over your mouth and nose to help filter the smoke. Wrap yourself in a fire blanket before leaving.
• When using the fireplace, make sure that the fire is completely out before going to bed. Don’t leave lit candles burning without supervision.
• Never go back into a burning home for any reason. Many people have lost their lives by returning to their home for pets or valuables.

Fireproof safes are the best way to protect your important valuables in case of a fire. There are different types of fire safes, including small, stand-alone models, built-in safes and fireproof cabinets. Choose the design that is best for your use and your style. Fireproof safes can be placed almost anywhere within the home, yet they are designed to be large and heavy enough so that burglars can’t take them. Fireproof cabinets are typically larger and made to fit into the décor of the room rather than to be hidden.

Fire safes are more convenient than using a safe deposit box at the bank, because you can actually use it on a daily basis. You can buy one that is large enough to accommodate all the items you would like to keep secure. The following are important reasons why you need a fireproof safe.

1. Fire protection. Fireproof safes keep your valuables safe in case of a fire (hence the name). Choose a fireproof safe with a rating of 1,400° F for at least one hour, which will allow for the best protection.
2. Theft protection. Fire safes protect your jewelry and other important items from theft. Large fire safes cannot be carried. Smaller ones should be kept hidden.
3. Keep important papers safe. Include birth certificates, passports, marriage and divorce papers, wills and other paperwork. Use fire safe file cabinets when you want to protect files and computer backups.
4. Convenience. Fireproof safes are much more convenient than using a safety deposit box at the bank. You can easily put items in and take them out as needed.
5. Cost effective. Fireproof safes range in price and are generally quite affordable additions to any home. You will save money in the long run over using a bank safety deposit box, which is a recurring expense.
6. Keep money and jewelry safe and out of sight. Some people still put money in their mattresses! When you want to keep a stash of cash, put it in a safe, fireproof place to which you have easy access. Be able to wear your important jewelry and replace it back in the safe when finished.
7. Memorabilia safety. Keep photos and other keepsake memorabilia safe from harm in case of a fire by putting it in a fireproof safe. Choose one that is large enough to contain all the items you need.
8. Gun safety. Fireproof safes can be used to secure handguns when not in use. You can keep the safe locked and it serves a dual purpose to contain your valuables and keep your gun(s) away from others.