- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Fire Safety Training
A Lesson for Life
By Sharon Waldrop
What if you detect a fire behind a closed door, but the door does not feel warm? "Brace your body against the door and open it slowly. There may be deadly smoke in the hallway, and you may need to slam it shut," says Sheppard.
"We have night lights throughout the house," says Caldwell. "You would be surprised how disoriented you get in the dark, even when you are in your own home. Nightlights can help to light exit paths in an emergency."
Caldwell says that her family has prepared a fire/emergency escape plan, which they practice at least twice a year. "Different scenarios are practiced to become familiar with alternative exiting options in the event an exit is blocked in an emergency."
What if the children are in unfamiliar surroundings at night? "When the girls go to stay the night at a friend or relative's house, a adult goes over the fire/emergency escape plan with them," says Caldwell. "They have to know how to get out in an emergency and where the meeting place is."