What You Need in Your Fire Preparedness Kit

Are you prepared for a fire in your home or your vehicle? We’ve talked a lot about how to prepare for a wildfire evacuation, but it’s not only forest dwellers who need to be ready for fires. This article isn’t about preparing your family and teaching them what to do – that’s coming up soon. This is about a few fire preparedness items you should have in your home and car that could buy you the time and ability to escape.

Fire preparedness kits

Here are a few fire safety preps that could come in handy, potentially saving homes and even lives.

Fire suppression blankets

I keep one of these by the fireplace, in the kitchen, and in my vehicle. They work very well to smother a small fire and prevent it from becoming an inferno.

Fire extinguishers

I don’t think you can have too many fire extinguishers. When I lived in fire country, I hung one in every bedroom closet, as well as the kitchen. Not only can it stop a blaze in its tracks, but you can also use it to make your way to an escape. I use this kind in my home.

For my vehicle, I keep one of these little ones under each front seat. They’re small and can be conveniently located to help you in the event you’re in an accident and the vehicle catches on fire.

Instructions

Does everyone in the family know what to do in the event of a fire? You can post these signs to remind your loved ones of what to do in the event of a fire.

Escape ladders

If you are trapped upstairs during a fire, you’ll need a safe way to get down. These are also advisable if you live in an upper apartment. I have had one of these under each bed for years. I prefer this kind because it hooks easily and securely on the windowsill, and they’ll work even if you aren’t good at tying fancy knots. They also have a three-story version. If you have pets you can lower them down with one of these gadgets.

Fire cloak

Another thing that I find pretty interesting is this fire cloak. It has a hood to cover your hair and you use it if you have no option but to go through an area with flames. It’s made from flame-retardent fiberglass and liquid silicone for maximum protection.

Smoke Mask

This smoke mask is a new product that I haven’t seen before, but if it works as described it would be handy in both your home and automotive kits. It comes folded up in a small plastic package and you put it on in the event of a fire. It has heat-proof goggles to protect your eyes and a filter to help you breathe without sucking in quite as much smoke. It isn’t a long-term solution, but if it works as described, it could buy you an extra five or ten minutes if you are trapped in a fire. If I was still in fire country I would absolutely keep these in my vehicle for evacuations.

Protect your documents

Finally, there are some documents that you’ll really want to protect. Things like deeds, mortgage papers, car ownership documents, and birth certificates will all fit nicely into this fire-proof, waterproof pouch. You can also stash cash in it. It has a combination lock. Pouches are far less expensive than boxes and safes.

Escape tool

I always keep these car escape tools in the center console of my vehicles. They are capable of smashing your window if the doors won’t open and have a cutter for seatbelts that are stuck.

What else would you add to your fire preparedness kit?

These items aren’t foolproof. There is always severe risk and danger if your house or automobile is on fire. You want to give yourself and your loved ones every advantage possible. Every minute you buy for escape gives you more chances at survival. Your lives are more important than any possession, and these items could help.