We have made it through another year! We have navigated schedules, parties, family functions, and let's not forget, a whole entire trip around the sun. Way To Go US!!!!
As we march into 2023 and resume filling our calendars with all 2023 has to bring, the Lynden Fire Department would like all of you to reserve a January date on those calendars for some Fire Safety Planning for your homes.
This won't take your entire day, I promise! So, grab those calendars, and let's get started!
#1: Make the first Saturday of each month "Smoke Alarm Saturday!"
- Ensure smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside each bedroom and on every level of your home, including basements.
- Test all of your smoke alarms by pushing he test button. If it makes the loud BEEP BEEP BEEP, it's working. If there is no sound, or those beeps don't quite make you want to cover your ears with oven mitts, it is time to replace the battery.
- If any smoke alarm is older than 10 years old, replace the entire unit.
- Should the alarm make chirps instead of beeps, the battery needs to be changed. Do this RIGHT AWAY.
- Ensure everyone in the home, young to old, knows the sound of the alarm and what to do when it sounds.
#2: Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it at least TWICE A YEAR!
A home fire escape plan is important. It helps to make sure that when the smoke alarms sound, EVERYONE in your home will know what to do so they can get out safely.
Your home fire escape plan involves:
- Everyone in your home, especially those who may need assistance to wake up and get out, such as children, older adults and people with disabilities. So, make sure they are a part of the plan.
- Share home escape plans with overnight guests
- A map drawing of your home, identifying TWO ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
- Making sure ALL escape routes are clear (no toys, furniture, or other obstructions blocking access), and that doors and windows open easily.
- An agreed upon Meeting Place that is a safe distance from your home/fire, that everyone knows to go to meet. (Choose a permanent place like a specific neighbor's house, a stop sign, mailbox, etc.)
- Everyone in the home knows to GET OUT and STAY OUT. Once outside DO NOT go back in the house for ANY reason. Get to your chosen meeting place and call 9-1-1 if able to do so.
- Ensure everyone in the home knows 9-1-1 and how to call once they are safely outside.
- PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
Practice DAYTIME and NIGHTIME home fire Drills!!
Here are some helpful links when it comes to creating your home fire escape plan:
How to make a home fire escape plan | NFPA(link)
Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan | Ready.gov(link)
Home Fire Escape Plan (PDF) | Safe Kids Worldwide(link)
Wishing you a SAFE, HEALTHY, and PEPARED New Year!
-Your Lynden Fire Department