E.D.I.T.H. - How would your children react to a house fire?

I had a home inspection recently where I met with a young couple with three kids, ages 3 to 7.  They were getting a "new to them home" that had some updates, but was lacking in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  We talked about where to put them, what kind to buy and the conversation turned to "what would the kids do?"  I shared this video from Amanda Goodman at KWWL in Waterloo, Iowa.  In the video Amanda films the actual response to 2 small children when the alarm sounds.

How would your own children react?  Watch carefully.  This is a real eye opener.

In the video they talked about EDITH.  

• E =  Exit
• D =  Drills
• I =  In
• T =  The
• H =  Home

Cover this with your kids OVER AND OVER AND OVER.  Notice in the video what the response was from the two little boys when asked about where to go in a fire?  Notice?!?!?  Remember, they will be scared, it will probably be dark and this needs to be practiced.  

I know I post about "fire safety" a lot in my Hitting Home blog, but this is only because this is the most common defect in a home that I see.  Most homes don't have ALL of the required devices, or they are the wrong ones, or they are too old, or the batteries are missing, or worse - THERE ARE NONE AT ALL.  Check out the other blog posts for more information.

We can do better.  We have too.  These little ones depend on us to do all we can to keep them safe.  Take action.  Get the required devices and maintain them.  Do the fire drills.  Lead by example. 

I have often wondered what happens after I list smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as a defect in a home if they are ever corrected.  We can do better!
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