Did you know that 2500 people die every year in the United States due to fires in their homes? Many, many more are injured. The amount of property that is lost in home fires is up there in the billions of dollars. The sad part of this is that many of these fires can easily be prevented. We just need to help each other understand the basic characteristics of fire. So let's learn about fire in hopes we can help prevent even just one. It will be worth it!

1. Fire moves quickly. Fire can go from a small flame to out of control in as little as thirty seconds. Smoke can fill a home in minutes. Deadly fires occur in the most cases where people are asleep. When you wake up and there is a fire, don't stop to grab valuables, those few seconds can save your life!

2. Fire is obviously very hot. Heat is a bigger threat than just the flames. Room temperatures can rise hundreds of degrees in a fire. Inhaling this super heated air can scorch your lungs. You need to get low and move away from the flames fast. 

3. Fire isn't always bright, it can be dark! Fire may start bright but doesn't stay that way. It may make it hard to find your way around your own home. That is why it is so important to have an escape plan.

4. Smoke is toxic. It can kill and does kill more frequently than flames do. Fire consumes oxygen, so it doesn't leave you any to breathe. Breathing smoke can make you drowsy and disoriented. 

1. Get low. Crawl as low to the floor as you can as the smoke and gases rises to the ceiling. 

2. Have smoke alarms and check them frequently. If you hear an alarm get out fast. You many only have seconds.

3. Have multiple methods to get out. If the first way out is blocked by fire or smoke, go to the second method of exit. 

4. Check the door and doorknob to see if they are hot. If they are hot, use another method to get out. The same goes for smoke coming under the door.

5. Open doors slowly but close quickly if you see smoke or fire.

6. Get out of the home and call 911. Let 911 know the location of any persons or pets left in the home immediately. 

7. If for some reason you can’t get out, close the door and cover the vents and any cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. If you can, call 911. Use white or light cloth or a flashlight as a signal to firefighters and rescue.  

8. Don't forget - Stop, Drop & Roll if your clothes catch fire. Use towels or blankets to smother flames on others. 

These steps may seem remedial, but they can save your life or the life of someone you love. We talk to first responders and firefighters all the time that say they just wish that more people had know these steps. Have a plan, share it with your family, understand fire, and save a life! For more information click here!