Fire Safety

• Find a way for everyone to sound a family alarm. Yelling, pounding on walls, whistles, etc. Practice yelling “FIRE!”
• Don’t leave candles burning alone in a room.
• Wood stove or Fireplace? Don’t burn trash… only dry, seasoned hardwood.
• Cool a Burn. If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Use Electricity Safely. If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately.
• Plan a Fire Escape. Know at least two ways out of every room.
• Install smoke detectors in every home, on every level and change the batteries.
• Matches and Lighters are Dangerous. Store them where kids can’t reach them.
• Learn to STOP, DROP to the ground, ROLL if clothes catch fire.
• In a fire, time is critical. Don’t waste time getting dressed, don’t search for pets or valuables. Just get out!

• Find a way for everyone to sound a family alarm. Yelling, pounding on walls, whistles, etc. Practice yelling “FIRE!”
• In a fire, time is critical. Don’t waste time getting dressed, don’t search for pets or valuables. Just get out!
• Roll out of bed. Stay low. One breath of smoke or gases may be enough to kill.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.