Summer is here, and while that usually means shorts and flip flops, the heat and dry weather also mean fire season is upon us. Recent blazes in California and Colorado show fire can strike without warning, and if you don’t have a safety plan in place, your family and home could be in serious danger.

As the saying goes, failing to plan means planning to fail. With fires, it’s vital to have a plan in place, as disasters often strike without warning. Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones avoid tragedy.

Before a Fire:

  • Replace smoke detector batteries twice a year
  • Make sure fire extinguishers are in the home, and that family members know how to use them
  • Plan and practice evacuation strategies with your family
  • Talk to your kids about fire safety – and especially not playing with matches or lighters!
  • Have a preparedness kit in place with non-disposable food, water, and copies of vital documents

During a Fire:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Leave the door closed if smoke is coming through the cracks – that means fire is on the other side!
  • Touch doors or knobs with a towel – if it’s hot, then fire is close by
  • If you catch on fire, stop what you’re doing, drop to the ground, and roll around until the fire is out
  • Be sure everyone is aware of the fire, and calmly evacuate

These tips are just to get you started. You should check with your local fire department to learn more about how to protect your home and family from fire risks. Additionally, many office buildings have safety information that employees are required to know.

Just remember – you can never be too prepared for a fire. Do as much as you possibly can, and should disaster strike, when everyone is safely evacuated, you’ll be happy you planned ahead!