CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK…

(spoiler alert: post contains quotes from, and references to, the award-winning television show ‘This is Us’)

In a previous post, I wrote about a neighbour’s house burning to the ground in the early hours of the morning. Our dogs sleep with us, and we were alerted by Reese before the fire engines even arrived. Thankfully, the woman and her two daschunds escaped the fire. The dogs took flight, and as our neighbour was rushed to the hospital, the dogs were rounded up by animal control and spent the night at the animal shelter. In this story, everyone was safe.

Sadly, that is not the case for so many families – most recently, the Pearson family. I know it is a television show, but still, my heart broke, and the tears flowed. Okay, it was a snotty, ugly cry! Hearing Louis barking inside the burning inferno, and watching the faces of his people was too much for me. And later, in the hospital when he says to the Doctor

I really love the girl that loves the dog

Seriously, who could hold it together?!

The questions going through my mind: why wasn’t Louis in Kate’s room? Why didn’t he bark sooner? Why didn’t Jack just grab the dog and get the heck out of there instead of going on a treasure hunt?

You can’t rewrite an ending in real-life!

We can overcome the loss of material things even though they may be sentimental and perhaps irreplaceable. Firefighters will, of course, advise us not to enter a burning building to rescue a pet. I will do everything in my power to avoid my pets, and myself, of course, being in that situation in the first place. My family (including furries) is what matters most to me.

What if my husband and I weren’t home and a fire started? Thankfully, I do have a sticker for the window in our front door which indicates, for rescuers, that three dogs and a cat live here. As soon as I meet our new neighbours, I will introduce them to the pack, and permit them to smash whatever they need to in order to free my companions from the house, should they see smoke coming from our house and suspect fire.

I am paranoid about leaving appliances on, and keep most things unplugged unless in use. Also, it may seem obsessive compulsive, however, when I use anything with heat; hair straightener, oven, iron, I will unplug or turn off the appliance. I make sure it’s secure, and after double-checking the electric socket or stove top, I visualize the plug out of the socket and say out loud to myself
unplugged and safe

By safe, I mean the appliance is not accessible to my pets, and they can’t knock it over.
I also rarely use candles – too easy to forget about or knock over (especially with animals running around).

There is nothing worse than that feeling of uncertainty. The feeling that turns your stomach upside down.

Smoke Alarms
-you can never have too many smoke alarms. Install alarms on each level of the home and in every sleeping room as well as outside sleeping areas. Larger homes require more alarms.
-interconnect alarms. When one goes off, they should all sound.
-ensure alarms are properly installed and maintained. Change your batteries regularly. Pick a day that stands out so you won’t forget. For example, New Year’s Day.
-test alarms monthly.
-alarms should be replaced every ten years (mark the year on your calendar each December 31st).

Main Causes of Fire 
Candles: Particularly on New Year’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve.
Cooking: Items too close to heat source, oils in pan and fryers.
Electrical: faulty wiring, and circuit disruption.
Heating: more likely during winter months (December – March).
Smoking: need I elaborate?
Children: playing with matches, lighters, etc.

Please click and review the following resources:

This list of FIRE PREVENTION FACT SHEETS from Fire Prevention Canada provides information about using candles, tips for babysitters, types of burns and tips for prevention, escape plans and so much more!

National Fire Protection Association

 

This is the little girl that made my life somersault, and I will do everything in my power to keep her and her brothers safe.

I need to know my family will be safe.