Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out During a Fire

I hope that as the daylight hours are getting slightly shorter and hopefully cooler weather, you and I are taking the time spending with our family and friends, in sports, arts and crafts as well as other activities. I also hope that you had taken the time to check and possibly change out the batteries of your fire alarms, they do need to be changed at least once per year. (NSC: National Fire Prevention Week)

National Fire Prevention Week is October 8th to 14th this year, with the theme "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways to Get Out!"

Most of our homes should have at least one working smoke alarms, are a family's first indication of a fire when it sounds. Once that alarm sounds a fire can spread quickly, leaving only a minute or two to escape, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It is extremely important for all households to have an escape plan and practice using at least 2 different ways out of the house. As our September post reminds us, National Preparedness Month teaches us how important it is for every single one of us to plan ahead, because disaster doesn't.

We should all take action to prepare, because we are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes. It takes time and effort to help as many individuals, families, and communities around us engage in preparedness actions.

What You Can Do to Plan Ahead!

There are many ways for you and I to plan ahead before the fire starts, here are some of the tips to keep your home safe from fire:

1. Install both types of smoke alarms and change batteries at least once a year in these devices
2. Plan and practice escape routes and agree on a meeting place outside of your home; be prepared to assist young children, family members with special needs and pets
3. Know two ways out of every room in the home 
4. Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
5. If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll. (National Preparedness Month: Ready.gov)

More Fire Prevention Education Resources

There are additional education resources available on fire prevention, check it out here:
Fire Prevention Week Education Resources

What are the Two Ways Out that You and Your Family Would Use?

National Preparedness Month

I could not believe that it is September already, school has already started for many school aged children and college and professional students. With many of us on the go, going to sport games, various running and walking events, Federal Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) draws our attention to September as National Preparedness Month. Remember, “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.”

We should all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes, including where we live, work, and visit. It takes time and effort to help as many individuals, families, and communities around us engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship.

Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You CAN!

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area, and create a family emergency plan as needed. Know what disasters could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Some of the disasters included but not limited to natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and fires but also active shooter and chemical emergencies. Not sure how to get started? Start with making emergency plan and create a family communication plan with your children, parents and other members. (National Preparedness Month: Ready.gov)

Remember not to text and drive at the same time when you are trying to contact your family members!

Starting on September 1st, Texas becomes one of the states that adopted no texting and driving ban. Texting would be punishable by a fine of up to $99 for first-time offenders and $200 for repeat offenses. (Texting & Driving / Hands-Free Laws in Texas)

Practice and Building Out Your Plans

During the event of a disaster, can be usually stressful circumstances, and having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently. Taking the time before the disaster hits to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency. Here are a few of the steps worthy of taking before disaster hits:

1. Gather financial, critical personal, household, and medical information.
2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATM’s and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
3. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you don't have them. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program)

There are many other resources on taking action to prepare and plan for disasters before they even begin. Department of Homeland Security has provided a great amount of wonderful resources to help get you and your family started.

• What important docs should you have in your emergency kit? (Financial Preparedness)
• Plan ahead: Flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect. (FEMA)
• Get Oriented with First Aid, CPR and Other Topics Before Disasters (Safety Skills)

What Would You Do When Disaster Happens in Your Home and Community?