Radio Commentary
It’s always a good idea to brush
up on fire escape practices with our families.
First, plan your escape. Outline at
least two escape routes per room. Try drills with the lights out, since most
home fires occur at night. Children must
understand not to hide from fire under their beds or in closets.
Set off the smoke alarm so everyone
recognizes the sound. Have children practice crawling to escape a smoky room or
hall.
Have them keep their heads 12
inches above the ground to avoid toxic gases close to the floor and smoke above
their heads.
If in a closed room, show them how
to test the door: If it is hot, do not open it.
If it is not hot, open cautiously,
but if smoke rushes in, quickly close the door and exit through a window
instead.
Remind children, if trapped in a
fire, to keep doors closed and stuff door cracks and vents with clothes or
towels. Then wait at a window for firefighters.
Make sure children know the number
of the fire department and can give the family name, address, and town. They
should call only after they are safely out of the house.
Finally, practice
stop-drop-and-roll with all family members in case someone’s clothes catch on
fire.
And remember: Safety practices
benefit from constant reinforcement.
