Thank you First Alert for sponsoring this post. Plan, practice, and repeat your escape plan with First Alert!
Hi Friends,
Living in Southern California means frequent earthquakes. In early July, days before the boys were born, we had two back to back. It had been a while since we had felt them this strong and it really sent us rushing for supplies and making emergency escape plans. As the parents of four, my husband and I felt it was extra important to be as prepared as possible. Did you know that only 43% of homeowners have an emergency escape plan and only 33% of those have discussed fire safety with their families? Which is why we were very excited to partner up with First Alert and share with you the ways our family has prepared for any possible emergencies.
1.Install smoke alarms
Making sure to install working smoke alarms is so important. Make sure to have one installed on every floor of your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association you should place one on each level as well as your basement and inside and outside of sleeping areas. We make sure to have one in our dining area as well as in our hallway right outside of all our bedrooms. I highly recommend upgrading your smoke alarm to the First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Alarms so you don’t need to worry about having to replace batteries every 6 months!
2.Install a carbon monoxide alarm
Like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms need to be installed on every level as well as outside and inside of sleeping areas. An easy way to remember this is every level, every bedroom. Make sure to test their batteries at least every 6 months. You can also upgrade to the First Alert 10-year Sealed Battery Alarms to make sure you don’t need to replace them as often.
3.Create an escape plan
Creating an escape plan was one of the big pieces our family was missing. We made sure to draw a map of our house with all possible exit routes, including all doors and windows. Have a meeting spot outside, a safe distance away from your home, like a tree or mailbox. Having two newborns and a toddler meant our family plan was a little different. We made sure to assign my husband, Zoey, and myself a buddy to make sure we are all accounted for. We made sure the kids knew 2 escape routes of each room as well as safe ways to escape in case we are unable to help them. If you have a two story home make sure to include an emergency ladder in your plan incase your main stairway is blocked.
4.Have a fire extinguisher handy
Make sure to have a fire extinguisher handy on every level of your home as well. It is especially important to have one next to your kitchen and in other areas of your home such as the garage, your laundry room, and next to other bedrooms in your home.
5.Plan, Practice, Repeat
One of the most important ways you can prepare your family is to practice your escape plan with them. Aside from planning for emergencies you want to practice the escape routes and emergency situations to help them prepare. We have decided to include monthly reminder meetings with our kids to keep our escape plan fresh in everyone’s minds.
Make sure to download First Alert’s Escape Planning Sheet.