Start Fire Training Early

Did you know that many times, children do not wake up for a smoke alarm and unless they are taught what to do if they hear it, they tend to hide, rather than run or crawl to safety? It is never too early to begin this training and it is good to quiz them regularly. Recently I was grilling my own children on what to do in case of fire. My six year old daughter correctly informed me that when we hear the smoke alarm, we meet on the neighbor’s porch. I was proud. I asked my four year old son what we have to do if our clothes catch on fire at which he looked down at what he was wearing and responded “we have to buy new Mr. Incredibles jammies.” Pride goes before a fall.




This time of the year, in cold weather like we are having, the reports of fire related injury and death always rise. Fire is our tool to keep us warm and cook our food and dry our clothes but it can turn tragic very quickly. Of course a quality alarm system can minimize the damages and loss from such tragic occurrences, by quickly reporting to fire and EMS. Standard smoke detectors do not call the authorities, and in most cases, can’t even be heard by the neighbor. Some guidelines to think about when deploying smoke detection devices follow as well as other fire safety tips.



1. Test smoke detectors monthly. There should be at least one on every level of the home.

2. Have the family run the evacuation plan, even blindfolded. Understand that thick, black smoke can make it impossible to see your way out.

3. Teach them to crawl low to the ground to stay clear of unbreathable hot air.

4. Make sure children know not to hide from fire-fighters.

5. Teach them to stop, drop and roll if their clothing is on fire.

6. Change the batteries in all smoke detectors at least every year.

7. Replace smoke detectors that are more then ten years old or according to manufacturer recommendations.



For more information and to find kids coloring pages on fire safety, visit www.usfa.fema.gov, and for assistance in planning your fire safety strategy call ADT at (248) 629-3175 because “Your Safety Matters.”


Of course all opinions and suggestions manumitted here are subject to your own better idea. I'm not proud.