Fire Safety Week / Fire Drills

At Open House we have monthly Fire Drills. We prepare the children by showing them the Fire Bell and letting them know the bell will be very loud. We will also talk about Fire Safety rules.

During a fire children may instinctively try to hide. It is important to let them know never to hide in a closet, under the bed or anywhere during a fire. The most important rule of Fire Safety is to exit the building as quickly as possible.

Despite our efforts to prepare them some children new to Open House may be confused and upset the first Fire Drill. However, overtime Fire Drills will become routine.

Fire Safety Week may be a good time for your family to plan and practice your Fire Escape Route. Here are some tips for planning your Fire Drill at home from the homefiredrill.org

At least twice a year, push the smoke alarm button to start your home fire drill
Think about how you will escape from every room, starting with bedrooms.
If possible, plan two escape routes from each room. Your second route may be to go out a window, or stand at a window where firefighters can see you.
Decide where you will meet outside.
Plan everyone’s role. Who will make sure children get out? Plan for special needs. Do you have: Young children? Older adults?People with temporary or permanent disabilities? Do you ever have overnight guests?
Share your plan with babysitters and frequent visitors.
Keep your floors, hallways and stairs clear of clutter.
Make sure everyone in your household can open all doors and windows. Security bars on windows should have emergency release devices so they can be opened easily from the inside
Fire extinguishers require planning too. Make sure they are visible and ready for use.
Never stop to call 911 from inside. Wait until you are safely outside before making the call.