FIRE! What's your family plan?

Unfortunately -- the hubs has been very busy in the burn unit this weekend.  Holiday weekends are always suspect -- as there is more activity -- varying people in and out of our homes -- and just less interest paid to important details.

Due to some of the tragedy he's seen this weekend -- we reviewed our "fire escape plan" last night.  

As much as it makes me physically ill to even discuss this stuff -- it is SO important.

Things change from year to year -- so it's good to review AT LEAST once per year.  Kids change bedrooms....basements are finished...perhaps you move altogether....all reasons to review.

And - it's important as your kids get older to include them in the plan.  

Thankfully MOST fire detectors are connected and so if the fire starts in the lowest level (most common) .... the alarms will sound upstairs where you may be sleeping.  Also most common -- for a house fire to break out in the middle of the night making escape more difficult.

It's important to make several plans.  Start from the lowest level of your home.  How would you respond if the fire was isolated to the basement......or if it had moved up to the middle level or all the way upstairs??

Having "one" plan is not enough because there are so many different scenarios with fire and SMOKE.  

Smoke can be just as deadly if not more so than fire burns. You have to act FAST and so planning is crucial.

How will you maneuver if you can't see AT ALL due to heavy smoke?? Or - if the fire is in the hallway?

If the fire has somehow moved up to the level of your home where you are sleeping ..... you may have to think outside the box.  You will have adrenaline like no other ... and if you aren't able to get into the hallway to get to your kids - you may have to break through the sheet rock.  Seems unthinkable -- but with the thin walls these days -- you could do it with a chair or heavy object and then you could all go out through the window.  Thinking through these things in advance will help so much in the event.  Perhaps positioning something heavy (a chair) in your room to break through a wall might not be a bad idea.

When exiting out the windows ... what is below you?? Could you get onto the roof or would you need to jump?? Take a look around - this will help with your planning.

Purchasing a "fire ladder" for each upstairs bedroom of your home is a great idea.  These SAVE lives and are so easy to use.  Be sure to practice and practice with your kids.  I know it seems scary -- and you don't want to scare them, but trust me it will be worth it.  Trust me.

Pets? They are members of our family without a doubt.  How would you get your beloved cat or dog outside safely, too?? It they sleep near you this may not be a big issue ... but some pets roam about at night.  Don't forget to talk about your pets!

Also be sure to include people who visit your home or stay with your kids ... nannies, grandparents, aunts, uncles.  They need to know the plan, too.  

Ringing in the new year means "starting over" ... and making a plan with your family about how you will SAFELY escape in the event of a fire is a great way to kick off the new year.  It will help you rest easier .... and in the rare event that this happens ..... your thoughts will be composed enough to be sure everyone escapes safely.

Fires happens regardless of how careful we think we are.  It's not just from a forgotten candle ... wires can go bad ... other heat sources start on fire. We are not always in control of how a fire starts.

So -- TONIGHT .... I urge you -- no, scratch that -- I BEG YOU -- to go over your plan. Maybe write it out so you can look back from year to year to see how it needs to change.

Burn and smoke injuries are absolutely life changing. Please - don't take the risk....plan as best as you possibly can.

With love,
Cuz I'm the mama!