Just recently, our family was heading home after a fun afternoon with friends and family, and the kids saw something that is unforgettable. We pulled into our quiet little neighborhood full of single family homes only to see one fully engulfed in flames. The kids immediately started asking questions of whose house, why is it on fire, and what can we do. Luckily I was saved by the onslaught of questions as the local fire department pulled up to the house just moments after us.
As we watched from a safe distance, we could feel the heat from the house being destroyed by the hungry flames. It was good to see that the family of the once home was safe, but they were emotionally upset. We continued to watch the brave firemen run in and around the home, trying their best to contain the fire to that home alone. After the flames burned down, and nothing but smoke was left, we finished making our way home.
Take the Alarm Pledge
Staci and I talked about the day’s events, and the unfortunate fire was something that was at the front of our minds. I reminded Staci that we recently installed new Kidde Worry-Free Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms, and Escape Ladders in every room upstairs. But, that “What if” question still lingered in the air. The following day I found my way onto the Be a Hero Save a Hero website, which is sponsored by Kidde, to find some additional safety tips. They encourage people to take an alarm pledge to help ensure your home is fire safe, which includes a pledge to place smoke alarms in every room to maximize your chances of early warning and escape.
See below for the full pledge.
After carefully reading through the pledge, my younger girls and I combed the house any potential fire hazards. We found a spot in the garage were some boxes had been stacked up near a electrical outlet. Also in the kitchen under the sink. There is a outlet for the dishwasher and disposal, and did look to safe. Together we fixed our safety issues, reviewed and practiced the fire escape plan and then pledge to “Be a Hero Save a Hero” for the next year.
Why did we take the pledge now? This week is Fire Prevention Week.
Fire Prevention Week 2015
Fire Prevention Week 2015
So, naturally we are testing our recently installed smoke alarms this week. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Hear the BEEP where you Sleep. Every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm.”
– NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
– We have smoke alarms in each of our home’s bedrooms. Do you?
When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. You need working smoke alarms to give you time to get out.
Did you know that many people don’t test their smoke alarms as often as they should?
I know that in the time that I have been a Kidde Ambassador, I have taken a more a proactive stance on fire safety. From preparing and sharing a fire escape plan with my family to learning how to properly use a fire extinguisher. #FireSafety is a huge topic in our household, and we test our smoke alarms every month when we pay our mortgage.
Get Social with Kidde
You may even have a Kidde products in your home and not even know it. Take moment and stop by to visit them on Twitter , Facebook, and Instagram for tips, tricks and fun stuff.
#firepreventionweek #FPW