Saving your home from fire is simple

Is your family prepared to correctly react to a fire?

The National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) says there are more than 355-thousand homes fires a year.

E.D.I.T.H. (Exit-Drills-in-the-Home) can prepare you in the event of a fire in your home.

Follow these three steps to better protect yourself.

1. Survey your home. Look for alternate ways out of every room and where you would go if one way was blocked.

2. Make a plan based on what you have found. You can even draw a floor plan of your house showing where all your emergency exits are. Be sure to identify a place where everyone will meet once they get out. This way, you will be able to tell firefighters that everyone is safe, or if someone is missing.

3. Practice your plan with all those who live in the home. This helps children to know what to do. A fire is a frightening experience, and too often children will hide under beds or in closets if they don’t know what else to do. That response is very dangerous.

Additionally, NFPA advises to check your smoke alarm batteries, as they should be replaced at least once a year and checked once a month. NFPA also encourages teaching children to recognize smoke alarm sounds.

For more information, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at (928) 373-4855.

KYMA 2019