Author of The Widow in the Woods
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is there anything you’d recommend adding to this list? Do you have these items in your fire preparedness kit? Have you ever used any of these products yourself?
Let’s discuss it in the comments section.
About Daisy
Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging, adventure-seeking, globe-trotting blogger. She is the founder and publisher of three websites. 1) The Organic Prepper, which is about current events, preparedness, self-reliance, and the pursuit of liberty; 2) The Frugalite, a website with thrifty tips and solutions to help people get a handle on their personal finances without feeling deprived; and 3) PreppersDailyNews.com, an aggregate site where you can find links to all the most important news for those who wish to be prepared. Her work is widely republished across alternative media and she has appeared in many interviews.
Daisy is the best-selling author of 5 traditionally published books, 12 self-published books, and runs a small digital publishing company with PDF guides, printables, and courses at SelfRelianceand Survival.com You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Gab, MeWe, Parler, Instagram, and Twitter.
Wish we would have had a smoke mask or because we had a smoke mask… I lost my husband too. If you wear glasses, keep an old pair in your kit. A list of phone numbers because you won’t remember them. Money of some kind. If you get out and others don’t, you’re going to be in serious shock. You will only have the clothes you have on. Flashlights. It’s dark as you move away from the flames. If the fire is burning inside the walls, you will also need a flashlight once you enter a room not yet burning but filled with smoke. Or you decide to go back in to attempt rescue of someone. Wet wipes for your face and eyes. Bottle of water for your mouth and throat. You will have an awful cough if you’re in the fire/smoke for very long. These are what I suggest after my experience of a home fire in the middle of the night. First we were in shock to wake to the house full of smoke. Then in shock because our child wouldn’t answer to the screaming of his name. Then in shock at the intense heat trying to get to him. Then in shock over the loud explosion, then the shock of not being able to breathe and the burning in the lungs and it just continues… you’re in shock and confusion. I never thought of grabbing my glasses, phone or money. The only thing you remember is your children. Ours might have had a chance had he not worn headphones to sleep.
Dylon 9-27-15
There is a lot more to learn about how to select a fire extinguisher that is rated for the types and sizes of fires you are most likely to encounter, how to inspect extinguishers, how to choose the right sizes and types for you, understand some deadly mistakes not to make, etc, etc. This is one of the better articles I’ve found to read and understand BEFORE you go shopping for “something red” on a store’s shelf that just looks like it might work.
How To Choose and Use Fire Extinguishers, By John Kelsey, Updated 09/11/2024
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-safety/21015032/how-to-choose-and-use-fire-extinguishers
–Lewis
Never forget though that more people die from smoke inhalation than die from being burned. Most of these will only protect from flames and not the effects of smoke. Be sure to have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and remember that your life is more important than your stuff. Run, don’t walk away when things get out of hand.
I would think twice about the small fire extinguishers you put under the seats
of your vehicle. The Amazon ad states that they are water filled extinguishers.
Which are not good for vehicle fuel fires. And EV electrical fires or any electric
range stove fires in the home (as long as the electric is turned on).
Just my thoughts about the type of Extinguisher Used dry chemical would be best but can leave a dry powder mess, but water one leave a mess too.
Car escape tools seem like a good idea, but I refuse to buy one. I know myself, and if I had a device that could easily smash car windows, I would use it… and it wouldn’t be my windows…