Are You Prepared?: Safety Tips from the Falcon Fire Department

For many of us, fire safety doesn’t register on our radars as we go about daily life. And that’s a good thing—it means we benefit from the regulations and safety measures established after our ancestors learned the hard way. Unfortunately, however, this oftentimes results in us taking for granted that we’ll be prepared if disaster strikes.

Preparing for fire safety is an activity that absolutely should be a part of every family’s (and homeowner’s) annual to-do list. The Falcon Fire Department website makes the process easy, boasting a wealth of no-nonsense information to educate and inform Meridian Ranch residents about fire safety.

Ready to get started? Here are three all-important tips to ensure your family and home are ready in case of emergency:

Tip 1: Evaluate your home

To start, take an hour or two to visually inspect the readiness of the interior and exterior of your home. Don’t know what you’re looking for? Here’s a handy printable self-evaluation checklist. From the readability of your address numbers to the state of your water heater and furnace, you’ll have your emergency-preparedness bases covered after completing this comprehensive list.

Tip 2: Have a plan for a fire emergency

As a family, map out an escape plan—for each person, from each room—complete with a designated meeting spot outdoors. Once the plan is set, practice it (at least once a year). This is key!

Tip 3: Confirm the basics

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, and make it a habit to swap out backup batteries twice a year (to remember, pair this activity with changing the clock for Daylight Saving Time in spring and fall).
• Ensure you have at least one fire extinguisher per level in your home, and store them in easy-to-grab spots. The most important place is the kitchen. Did you know fire extinguishers have an expiration date? Be sure to check yours and replace any that are beyond their prime. While you’re at it, take a gander at the instructions and familiarize yourself with how to use an extinguisher—this exposure will be a blessing in an emergency; after all, during a high-stress situation is not the ideal time to rely on your ability to read and follow instructions.
• Do you have fire sprinklers in some or all of your rooms? Now is a good time to find out. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), where sprinklers were present, fires were contained to their room of origin a remarkable 97% of the time. Not only are sprinklers a wise investment (if you don’t already have them), but they are shockingly affordable, costing just $1.35 per sprinklered square foot.

Are you and your family members prepared in the event of a fire emergency? Is your home ready? Don’t delay . . . no one can predict if or when an emergency might arise, so take the time now and rest assured you’re ready. For more information, see the Falcon Fire Department website or call them at (719) 495-4050.

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