Fire Prevention and Safety Tips
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.
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.
Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven.
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.
Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach—preferably in a locked cabinet.
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Give
space heaters plenty of space
Space heaters should be at least three feet away from anything
that could burn. Always make sure to turn heaters off when leaving the
room or going to bed.
Lit
candles should be monitored constantly
Lit candles should be monitored constantly by an adult and extinguished
when adults leave the room or go to sleep. NEVER leave children alone with
burning candles.
Use candleholders that won’t tip over easily, are made of
non-combustible materials, and are big enough to catch dripping wax
safely.
PLAN AND
PRACTICE AN ESCAPE PLAN.
Plan two ways
out of every room. Fire routes should not include elevators. Select a
meeting place outside of the house where everyone will gather in case of a
fire. Practice your plan every month if possible. NEVER GO BACK INSIDE OF
THE HOUSE TO GET ANYTHING.
Place fire extinguishers at every level of your home, especially the kitchen, basement or garage areas where there's the greatest danger of a chemical or electrical fire. Practice how to use them. Check them monthly to make sure they're in working condition.
If you must get through smoke to escape, keep low. The cleanest air will be 12 to 14 inches above the floor. Crawl on your hands and knees to get to the nearest safe exit. If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth or handkerchief.
