In a fire, confusion reigns. Smoke makes it hard to see or breathe. Your only chance to survive a house fire is to not delay a second and get outside.
Everyone should know that fire is a life threatening emergency. It can happen to anyone and, in fact, it does happen to about one in 3,000 households.
* Every family member should know what a smoke alarm sounds like.
* Everyone should know that a chirping smoke alarm means a battery should be replaced.
* Every person should know two escape routes from every room.
* Get out immediately and don't go back in.
* Sleep with bedroom doors closed to stop fires.
* There should be a family meeting place away from the house at a permanent location, such as a neighbor's house.
* As a practical precaution, everyone in the household should always have a powered up phone and know how to call 911.
* Leave doors open for pets to escape.
* Check your windows regularly to make sure they open easily.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
