Family Fire Safety: Why Preparation and Protection Go Hand in Hand
A fire in the home can break out without warning. In those critical moments, preparation can make all the difference. While systems like iMist water mist suppression are designed to control flames and reduce damage, a clear evacuation plan, especially one that includes children and pets, is just as essential.
Why a Family Evacuation Plan Matters
Andy and Sandra Hawe, whose new home is now protected by iMist, know first-hand how vital it is to plan ahead. In 2019, a devastating fire destroyed their home and claimed the lives of three of their pets. Their children only escaped safely thanks to a rehearsed evacuation plan.
Andy explains:
“Make a plan, and communicate that plan with your kids. Have that conversation multiple times.”Sandra adds:
“Be age-appropriate. They do fire drills at school, so why shouldn’t you do one at home? If they’re in their beds and there is a fire on the other side of the door, what do they do? Prepare them for when a smoke alarm goes off, so that they know what to do.”
Their experience shows that rehearsing a plan doesn’t just prepare children practically, it gives them the confidence to act when it matters most.
How to Build Your Evacuation Plan
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Identify all exits: Walk through your home and show every possible escape route. Remember that bedroom doors may be blocked by smoke or flames.
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Choose a meeting point: Agree on a safe spot outside where everyone gathers.
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Practice often: Rehearse fire drills so reactions become instinctive, not panicked.
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Prepare children: Teach them to stay low, follow escape routes, and recognise the sound of a fire alarm.
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Include pets: Think about who will help them, but remind children never to risk re-entering the home.
Peace of Mind with Fire Suppression
An evacuation plan is vital, but pairing it with reliable fire protection adds another layer of reassurance. iMist systems activate quickly, controlling flames long enough to give families precious time to escape.
Sandra shares just how much this means to her now:
“We’ve got the fire suppression system so that we can go to sleep at night. It made a massive difference to me being able to just go to sleep knowing that if, God forbid, something happened during the night, I’m safe. There will be a suppression system that will go off and I will be able to get out of the house. It’s taken the edge off.”Andy also reflects on the hidden impact of fire:
“It’s the psychological damage you’ve got to recover from.”
Fire suppression doesn’t just protect property; it helps protect peace of mind.
Teaching Children Fire Safety
Children may panic in emergencies, but practice gives them confidence. Keep lessons simple and age-appropriate:
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Teach stop, drop, and roll if clothes catch fire.
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Practice escape routes at different times of day.
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Use games or stories to make lessons memorable without causing fear.
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Explain clearly what fire alarms mean and what actions they should take.
Preparation + Technology = True Safety
The Hawe family’s story shows that safety comes from combining preparation with technology. A rehearsed evacuation plan gives families confidence, while iMist systems provide the vital protection that slows fire and buys time. Together, they create the best chance of a safe outcome.
👉 You can read more about Sandra and Andy’s powerful story in our case study here.
Take Action Today
Fire safety begins at home. Create your evacuation plan, teach your children what to do, and consider installing an iMist water mist system for discreet, effective protection. As Sandra and Andy show, peace of mind isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
