Our homes not only provide us with comfort and safety, but they also give us a space to collect memories. Every homeowner and renter’s worst nightmare is a fire. Fire accidents are typically caused by cooking accidents, smoking, unsafe heaters, or negligence.
It is important to be aware of how to prevent fires from taking place and know what to do in case a fire does occur. The Washington State Department of Health provides a clear outline of what to do in case of a fire emergency.
Fire Prevention and Protection
While it may be impossible to completely prevent a fire accident from taking place, there are important steps you can take to protect your home and family from a fire:
- Install smoke detectors in or close to all sleeping areas
- The smoke detectors should have their batteries checked twice a year
- Keep A-B-C fire extinguishers in the home and make sure all members of your household know how to use them
- Know your exits and at least two ways out of every room in case of an emergency
- Have a meeting place outside the house and escape plan
- Use heat sources safely and read manufacturer instructions before using
What to Do in the Case of a Fire
- If the fire can be put out, use the fire extinguisher
- Never use water on an electrical fire
- If the fire is unable to be put out, evacuate immediately
- Drop to the floor and crawl under the smoke to the exit
- Before opening a door, feel if the doorknob is hot and make sure to close the doors of the rooms you leave
- If your clothing catches on fire – stop, drop, and roll
- Make sure that you alert everyone in your household to evacuate
- Once safely evacuated, call 9-1-1.
- If you are unable to evacuate, leave the door closed to your room, stay low to the floor, and hang a white or light-colored sheet out of the window to signal for help
- After the fire accident, it is recommended that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney
Contact an Experienced Fire Personal Injury Attorney
Home fires can be life-altering and GLP Attorneys is here to support you as you recover physically and emotionally. GLP Attorneys has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including fire-related deaths and injuries.
Our Fire Injuries practice is led by Janelle Carney Boston, Managing Shareholder of the Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Tri-Cities offices of GLP Attorneys. If you have been involved in a fire-related accident, please contact our attorneys for a free consultation at 800.273.5005.