What to do if a fire occurs in your St Clair County home

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Plan for Fire & Smoke 

Fires in the home are some of the most dangerous events that can occur. Although we do not like to think about it, they are a possibility, so all family members in your household should know ahead of time what to do in case you experience such an unfortunate event.

1. Have An Escape Plan 
You should first ensure that your entire family knows what to do in case of a fire in your home. Make an escape plan and practice it several times per year with your family. Make sure your family members know not to put their lives in danger to save possessions. Always take the route that gets you outside the fastest. If you must exit through smoke, know to drop down under it and try to cover your mouth to keep from breathing smoke. If a door is hot to the touch, do not open it or go through it. 
 
2. Rope Ladders 
If you live in a two-story home, every bedroom should have a rope ladder which is readily available so family members can climb down outside instead of being trapped. A meeting spot outside your home needs to be designated, and ensure you take attendance, so you know who is out safely. This will keep people from endangering themselves by going back in and looking for someone who is already out. If someone is missing, make sure to alert the firefighters – do not ever reenter the home yourself. 
 
3. Stop, Drop, Roll 
Everyone should know how to do this if fire catches on your clothes. Drop to the ground right away, cross your hands over your chest, and roll forward and back until you smother the flames completely. Cool the area that is burned with water and call for medical attention right away for serious burns. 
 
4. Fire Extinguishers 
Places such as your workshop, fireplace, and kitchen should have fire extinguishers nearby. Every family member should know how to use it as well. Extinguishers need to be regularly recharged, inspected or replaced as necessary. 
 
5. Stove Fires 
A small fire in your kitchen should be able to be handled by all. Suffocate the fire by putting a lid on the pan, turning the stove off and letting the pan sit unmoved until the flames are smothered. Extinguish small grease fires by putting baking soda on them, but do not ever use water. 
 
Call SERVPRO as soon as any fire is out so that they can clean up damages and prevent any further damage from happening. 
 
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo is available to help you clean up fire damage at any time. We know how important it is to act quickly, so the sooner you call us at (586) 336-7373, the sooner we can stop further damage from soot and smoke.