One of the most important things that parents fail to teach their children is to get ready for emergencies, such as fire. The first step is to inspect and check your house for possible fire exits. Check if the windows and doors in your house are big enough to be used as possible fire exits. Make an escape plan for each room, making sure that there should be at least two ways to get out of the room to escape fire.
In making the escape plan, you need to include important details, such as windows, stairs and hallways. After planning, you should meet your family members and discuss your fire escape plan. You should also ensure that your family has developed a way of warning other family members of fire, such as shouting, bells, door tapping, etc. It would be great if each bedroom of the house has an emergency kit like flash light and a bell. Finally, select a safe place outside the house where everyone will meet after escaping the fire.
It is excellent to act out your escape plan with the whole family. Teach your kids how to stay close to the ground when escaping and let them remember the way. Smoke caused by fire would make it tough to see the exit; it would be wise if you and children know the way by heart. Your family should know that during fire, you should touch and feel the door first before opening it. Do not open the door if it is hot. Find a new way wherein you could escape your room or house. If the clothes catch fire, remind everyone to fall to the ground and roll. This will help put out the fire.
Ensure that emergency numbers are placed near telephones. Such numbers should always be handy and visible so that you can contact authorities immediately. Install smoke detectors in key places in your house and always check their batteries. Place fire extinguishers in key locations. If your house has many floors put at least one fire extinguisher per floor. Prohibit smoke inside the house to avoid incidences of fire are caused by improperly discarded cigarettes. If smoking cannot be helped, make sure that nobody smokes in the bed. No matter how many times you have told your kids that lighters and matches are unsafe, some will still play with them. It is recommended to keep them in safe places.