Fire Safety Tips
General Fire Safety Tips
Make sure all family members know
what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a floor plan with at least two
ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions
do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details:
stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes.
Test windows and doors—do they open easy enough? Are they wide enough.
Or tall enough?
Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.
Be Prepared
Practice alerting other members.
It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom.
Practice evacuating the building
blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke generated by
a fire most likely will make it difficult to see.
Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.
Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is hot, get out another
way.
Learn to stop, drop to the ground, roll if clothes catch fire.
Additional Safety Tips
Install
smoke detectors
Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least
once a year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts of smoke or
invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering
and burning fires. At least one smoke detector should be installed on
every level of a structure. Purchase smoke detectors labeled by the
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
Post emergency numbers near telephones
Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the
call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out
and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the
home.
After a fire emergency
Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured victims should be
transported to professional medical help immediately. Stay out of the
damaged building. Return only when fire authorities say it is safe.
Make sure you have a safe fire escape method for
all situations
You may have installed a very expensive home security system. But if you
cannot escape the burning structure you have a false level of
confidence.
Space Heaters Need Space
Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may
burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep.
Children and pets should always be kept away from them.
Smokers Need To Be Extra Careful
Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded
cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
Be Careful Cooking
Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting
sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so
they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide
a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
Matches and Lighters are Dangerous
In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly! Store them
where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked area. Teach children
that matches and lighters are "tools" and should only be used by adults.
Use Electricity Safely
If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately
and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and
don't overload extension cords. They should not be run under rugs. Never
tamper with the fuse box or use the improper size fuse.
Cool a Burn
If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for
10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor
immediately!
Be Careful of Halogen Lights
If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable
drapes and low ceiling areas. Never leave them on when you leave your
home or office.
