Summer fire safety tips from Seattle Red Cross

Photo: Ariel da Silva Parreira

Now that hot weather has come the risk of wildfires is up, the Seattle Red Cross warns, and the risk of residential fires continues, with more than 40 families in King County needing Red Cross assistance because of residential fires in just the first two weeks of this month.

The Red Cross urges King County residents to reduce their risk by preparing now before residential or wildfires strike.

Wildfire Safety Tips:

• Protect yourself and your property by using fire-resistant materials outside and inside your home.

• Create a 100 foot-zone of safety around your home if you live in a home built in a pine forest.

• Plan several escape routes from your home.

• Plan your water needs.

• Clear all flammable vegetation, newspapers and rubbish. Regularly dispose of them properly at an approved site.

• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it’s kept.

• Regularly clean your roof and gutters.

Residential Fire Safety Tips:

The American Red Cross offers the following recommendations regarding fire escape plans:

• Family plans should include two ways to escape from every room in the home.

• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

• Select a safe location away from the home where your family can meet after escaping.

• Consider purchasing and storing escape ladders for rooms above ground level and practice using them.

• If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out.

• If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke.

• Before escaping through a closed door, feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it. If it is warm, use your second escape route.

• If smoke, heat or flames block both of your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Place a rolled towel underneath the door. Signal for help by waving a brightly colored cloth or shining a flashlight at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the 9-1-1 and let them know your exact location inside the home.

• Once you’ve escaped your home, stay out.

Photo: Ariel da Silva Parreira

The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world. For more information, visit www.seattleredcross.org.

Tags: Fire, Fire Safety, Wildfires

Category: News