1) Smoke detectors 

• In the event of a fire, early detection and warning is critical. Because smoke and toxic gases spread faster than heat, most victims die from smoke inhalation rather than burns.
• Majorities of fatal fires occur when the occupants are asleep and unaware of the fire until it is too late for escape. Approximately 60% of fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke detectors. A working well-placed smoke detector often detects a fire in the early stages and alerts the occupants allowing for ample time for escape.
• These are just a few reasons why smoke detectors are necessary in every home.

2) Have an escape plan

• Draw your floor plan labeling all rooms and identify all doors and windows. Find two (2) escape routes for every room and make sure all windows and doors are unobstructed.
• Consider buying an approved collapsible ladder for escape from under story windows.
• Choose a safe meeting place for everyone to gather after having escaped.
• Practice your escape plan with everyone in the home using multiple fire scenarios at different times of the day and night. Once you are out, stay out.

3) Home fire extinguishers

• Every household should have at least one (1) multi-purpose fire extinguisher on every level. If you have only one (1) fire extinguisher make sure it is located in or near the kitchen where approximately 49% of all home fires originate.
• When choosing a fire extinguisher for your home, always choose dry chemical instead of water. Dry chemical extinguishers are more effective and safe to use on small electrical and grease fires.
• Spraying water on grease fire will only cause the fire to spread and spraying water on an electrical fire could cause the fire to spread as well as causing serious injury or death by electrocution.

4) Never leave a room with an open flame

• Never leave a hot over or stove unattended. Keep flammable items such as wooden or plastic cooking utensils, dishtowels and loose clothing away from your stovetop.
• Keep candles a safe distance away from anything that can burn and blow all candles out before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep lighters and matched out of the sight and reach of children.

5) Stop Drop and Roll

• Stop Drop and Roll is an extremely effective way to extinguish clothing fire. If your clothes catch fire, do not panic and run. Running will most likely fan the flames causing the fire to intensify. Follow the cliché:
• STOP – where you are.
• DROP – to the ground and cover your face with your hands to prevent facial burns and lung damage.
• ROLL – back and forth over the flames to extinguish the fire.

Author Luis M. Espinoza MD Dr. Espinoza served as the AAA Team Doctor for the the New Orleans Zephyrs/BabyCakes since joining the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine in 2003. He is double board certified in General Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.