Fire Drill

[skent]

I just replied to a post on extinguishers and it brought to mind an event my wife and I had happen to us 5 years ago. I really believe this story could save a life or two, so I will share.

I was in the Coast Guard back in the 70's, and went through the Two week Dept of Commerce Fire Fighting school in Earle, NJ, so I went through the smokey rooms and learned the do's and don'ts. I am very fire concious and respect it's power. read on. . . . . .

We have four young daughters (at the time of this story, 9, 7, 6 and 4) and we had just moved in to a new house on the far corner of our family's farm. In our previous house, we had organized our "evacuation drill" and all knew how to exit the house if fire alarm or smoke was evident. We had the place where we all were to meet outside and typically two or three times a year we would hold a fire drill during the day. We had planned our escape routes for the new house, and our meeting place was at the well cap, far out in the side yard. We did our daytime drills several times and all knew what and where to go.

One night, we had a smoke alarm fail (1AM) and it went off (no smoke present) and wouldn't stop. While I had gone through the whole house and found no problem, I realized that nobody even got out of bed (other than me) to see what was going on, and this bothered me. My oldest was in her room - asleep with the pillow pulled over her head.

So, several weeks later, one nice summer night, around 9:30, (the kids had went to bed around 9), we set off the smoke alarm, and my wife and I exited the house and waited outside. I had started a stopwatch and wanted to see how long it took. After 5 minutes, and no children, I went back inside and tiptoed inside the house. The smoke alarms were blaring (I had weged a dowel in the test button). My 6 year old came halfway down the steps, and I her her say (to the 9 year old) that she didn't see mom and dad in the living room (all lights were off - I had killed the breaker so they would have to get their flashlights) she then ran back upstairs and all four were in one room discussing what to do. In a loud voice I yelled that the house was on fire and to get out now! Still nothing! I ended up having to go upstairs and herd the kids down the steps and outside. Time to evacuate. . . .12 minutes. I realized that if that had been a real fire, we would have had 4 fatalities.

Afterwards, we sat the kids down and discussed what happened. All said they were scared and was waiting for dad or mom to tell them what to do. They all acknowledged that they knew what to do, but it was night time and no parents were around and they didn't want to get in trouble. My question was what if mom and dad were unable to "tell you what to do"?

Up to that time, we had gone over everything and had our drills, but nothing beats the real thing. Being woken from a deep sleep by the smoke alarm and knowing exactally what to do is VERY important, and now, in our house, its get yourself and your sisters out first, no matter what, and see if it's a drill later.

We have since done drills at least twice a year (try not to do it on school nights), after the kids are in bed, and regardless of the outside weather. (sometimes late at night, or early in the AM, sometimes its drizzeling, sometimes its cold) Once I trip the alarm, it's usually no more than 30 seconds to get all outside and to our meeting place.

I challange all of you with young children to try this at home! After your kids are asleep, shut off the lights, set off the smoke alarm, leave the house. What do your kids do? How long will it take? A room can be totally ablaze in less than 90 seconds from when a smoke detector first sounds. The first time you do it, they will be scared, they won't be able to get back to sleep afterwards (best to plan on a weekend), they may cry, they may be mad, some of you might thing it sounds like a cruel thing to do, but it will teach them, and quite possibly save their life!

Thanks to the TBN board and all the information you share.

Steve

[AndyR]

Excellent post - Thanks.

Andy in NH

[Jag]

Skent.... very good heads up... These are things that I hope most have gone over in plan, but I am afraid not for a real drill... Thanks

[GlueGuy]

Steve,

Excellent post! My wife & I do not have children, but she was burned out of their home when she was 2. She has major fire awareness, but reading this really gets you to thinking! Thanks for the "awareness" training!

The GlueGuy

[gordon]

Steve, THANKS FOR THE GREAT EYE OPENER. I have gone over the fire drill with the kids. I have both 110vt and 9vt smoke detectors. But I HAVE NEVER done the real deal like that. When it would really count the most. Yes I'm prepared in some ways but your post points out in not the most important one. What the kids would really do without us there holding their hands during the fire drills.

Great post and thanks
Gordon

[scruffy]

Thanks Steve!
Your post was an eye opener and a service to all...with or without children. I thank you again.