News

In Case of Fire, Are You Prepared?

October 30, 2019

Time Change is Perfect Time to Review Your Family’s Plan

 

MACON, GA (Wednesday, October 30, 2019) – As part of Navicent Health’s ongoing commitment to community safety and preparedness, the health system reminds the public to be prepared in the event of an unexpected fire.

 

Navicent Health’s Safety, Emergency Management and Physical Environment Manager Steve Ramsey offers the following tips to ensure you and your family are prepared in the event of a fire:

 

  • Place fresh fire extinguishers near kitchens and garages. Look for expiration dates on extinguishers to ensure they are in proper working order.
  • Regularly test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors – a good rule of thumb is to check both types of detectors as Daylight Savings Time begins and ends. This will ensure both are in proper working order and ensure that batteries are replaced if needed.
  • Keep escape ladders in second floor bedrooms.
  • Store a fire-proof emergency blanket in each bedroom.
  • Store valuables, including important documents, in a fire-proof safe.
  • Identify escape routes with your family members and have a designated meeting place. Ensure a plan is in place for any family pets.

 

“Many people don’t think to check smoke alarm batteries or check expiration dates on fire extinguishers, and while some families may have a rough idea of a fire escape plan, it’s important to review these to remind all family members, especially children, of the plan. While we may not think of these things often, if we get in the habit of adding these tasks when we turn our clocks forward or back for Daylight Savings Time, we’ll begin to build fire safety habits that could potentially save a life,” said Ramsey.

 

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 3, 2019.