Protect Your Children with Home Fire Drills

House fires are devastating. How prepared are you and your family. Every year thousands of families suffer through the tragic event of a house fire. Although the loss of possessions and a home are unimaginable, the possible loss of life is worse.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), more than 2,400 children die or are injured in fires each year; half of them are under the age of five. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the children were more prepared. The USFA further states that over 10% of child fire victims are unable to react; they are often found hiding in closets or under beds. Fires happen suddenly and are extremely scary for a child. If they are unable get to their parents, most find comfort in a hiding place.

Schools and teachers do their part educating children on what to do during a fire. Stop, Drop & Roll is imbedded in their memories at an early age. But, what about evacuation? The only person that can train a child how to evacuate the house during a fire is a parent. According to the Home Safety Council, only 54% of parents are taking the extra steps to ensure their children will know what to do.

Most homes today are designed is what is called at "split plan". This design is beneficial to most parents because it offers privacy be separating the master suite from the other bedrooms. Unfortunately, it can also prevent a child from getting to their parents during a fire. Most household fires begin in the living areas; the kitchen, utility room, or living room. When bedrooms are split and there is a fire blocking passage between them, the children are left on their own to get out safely.

Fire drills are essential for your child to be prepared in case a fire starts in the house. We all hated drills in school, but they had a purpose. When we heard the alarm, we knew we had to line up and exit the building. By conducting fire drills in your home, your child will learn what to do when the fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night.