FIRE
When there is a fire, do not waste time gathering valuables or making a phone call. Fires can spread quickly, becoming life threatening in two minutes and engulfing a residence in as little as five minutes
Before a fire:
· Use good sense and practice fire prevention at all times. It
could and probably will save the lives of you and your family.
· Prepare an escape
route from your building. Practice fire and building evacuation drills with your family at least twice a year. Smoke and darkness
could blind you during a fire so also practice evacuation drills with your eyes closed. Feel your way out of the building. Also,
have a secondary escape route in case your primary route is blocked by fire or smoke.
· Install smoke alarms on every floor and in every sleeping area. Smoke alarms dramatically increase your chances of surviving
a fire. Check batteries every month and change them at least twice a year.
· Strategically locate “A-B-C” type fire extinguishers around your home.
· Consider
installing a home fire sprinkler system.
· Use candles safely. Candles
cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property
damage each year.
· Check for cracks and defects in your fireplace or wood stove chimney.
Install a spark arrester on top of the chimney and keep the fireplace screen closed when not feeding the fire.
· Clean you chimneys regularly to prevent a build-up of creosote.
· Routinely check
your home electrical system for defects. Look for old exposed wiring, hot switches, flickering lights, frayed cords, overloaded
extension cords and cords placed under rugs or carpet or in high traffic areas.
· Consider
limiting smoking to outside. Provide deep sturdy ashtrays and make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
· Practice safe cooking practices. Don’t wear long loose sleeves while cooking and keep combustibles away from the burners.
· Locate your barbecue grill away from buildings, overhangs and other combustibles. Turn off the gas to grills when not in use.
· Do not store gas cans or propane tanks indoors.
During a fire:
· Evacuate the building immediately. Meet others outside
and verify that all are accounted for. Designate one person to call 9-1-1.
· Never open doors that are hot to the touch.
· Once out of the building, stay out.
· Follow emergency responder’s instructions.
