4 Keys to Surviving a House Fire
The years-long California drought makes some residences more susceptible to fire damage than ever. It’s important to prepare your home and family for an emergency, but if the unthinkable happens and a fire breaks out, how will you deal with it?
These 4 keys to surviving a house fire are a simple guideline for keeping your loved ones safe in a dangerous situation:
1) React Quickly
If your smoke detector goes off and you see fire, you have one job: get yourself, your family, and your pets out as quickly as possible. When seconds matter, don’t waste valuable time worrying about the possessions you’re leaving behind—make sure everyone stays alive first.
2) Exit Safely
If there is a closed door between you and the exit, feel the door with the back of your hand to make sure it is cool. Look for smoke seeping in from under the door. If the door is hot or smoke is entering the room, leave through a window if possible.
3) Protect Yourself From Smoke
If you can’t evacuate immediately, protect yourself from smoke inhalation to buy additional time and help you to think clearly.
Crouch below the smoke line, and cover your nose and mouth with a shirt or, if possible, a wet towel. This will help prevent smoke inhalation, which can cause dizziness, disorientation, and unconsciousness.
4) Don’t Panic—Practice!
Rehearse an escape plan with your family so that everyone knows what to do, and where to meet, in the event of a fire or similar disasters. And if an emergency situation arrives, try to keep a clear head. Making the right decisions while you attempt to escape from a fire can mean the difference between survival and injury, or worse.
After you and your family are clear of the fire area, call emergency responders if they have not already arrived.
Once the immediate danger has passed, call your insurance company and notify them that you will be making a claim. And if you want to start the home restoration process immediately, call Cal-Best Construction at 714.630.1180.
Need help with fire damage?
Cal-Best Construction has specialized in restoring Southern California homes damaged by fire for more than 30 years. We promise you’ll have an initial project quote within 48 hours of your initial call. Contact us online or call 714.630.1180—we look forward to assisting you!