The basic facts of what happen in a house fire are eye-opening.
The first part of this slideshow will illustrate the frightening realities of a burning home; the temperatures that can be reached, the toxic gasses that are produced and how quickly it all happens.
The second part of this slideshow reviews lessons you can teach your children that could help them escape a burning home.
All of the information contained here is from the U.S. Fire Administration, which is a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Fact 1: A house fire can happen quickly. And the smoke, heat and flames can be overwhelming and disorienting.
Fact 2: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. Thick black smoke can fill a house in minutes.
Fact 3: Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won’t have time to do anything other than escape.
Fact 4: A fire’s heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs.
Fact 5: The heat from a house fire can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.
Fact 6: Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
Fact 7: If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you’ve lived in for years.
Fact 8: Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath.
Fact 9: The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape. This is just one reason why smoke detectors are so important.
Here are the things you can teach your children about escaping a burning home.
Stress that it's important to get out fast.
When faced with frightening and stressful situations, children sometimes hide. It should be stressed that they should never hide or take time to gather up their toys or other belongings during a fire.
Fires are scary and confusing. They can be loud, burn very fast and their smoke can make a room or home very dark. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed.
It helps to have a plan to know what to do if there is a fire and to get out fast.
Be sure to stress the importance of planning for two ways out in case one way is blocked by fire.
Before opening any door in a fire, feel it first. If it is hot, there may be fire on the other side. Try to get out another way.
Crawl low on the floor to avoid heat, smoke and fumes. Never stand up in a fire and try to keep your mouth covered.
Pick a safe and easy-to-remember place outside the home to meet the rest of the family.
Call 911 after escaping from the fire.
Stay outside no matter what; don't go back for anything.
Children should practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room.
And remember to regularly check your smoke detectors. And be sure to look for the expiration date, as shown above.