FIRE SAFETY TIPS

How you can help yourself before an Emergency situation occurs

Keep a list of medical information on your refrigerator:
1. Family doctor
2. Medications currently taking
3. Allergies
4. An Emergency Contact
5. Brief medical history

Keep and know how to use a Fire Extinguisher.

Remember P.A.S.S. (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

Install and check smoke detectors.

Plan and practice a fire exit drill.

HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOUSE? GENERAL FIRE SAFETY

1 - Does each level of your home have a smoke detector?
2 - Does your Family test smoke detectors regularly? (Remember, a smoke detector that doesn't work is like not having one at all!)
3 - Does each area have an operational fire extinguisher? Kitchen? Work Shop? Family Room?
4 - Post your area's emergency numbers in an easy to find place - most areas have an operational 911 system.
5 - Make sure each member of your family knows how to report a fire. (Remember to call the fire department (911) from outside of your building. Give your name, location and type of fire clearly.
6 - Does your family plan and practice a fire exit drill from all areas of the house? (Know 2 ways out from each room and have a meeting place away from the house.)

KITCHEN FIRE SAFETY

1 - Keep the kitchen cooking area free of oil and grease.
2 - Make sure that everyone in your family knows how to extinguish a grease fire. Never pour water on it; smother it with a lid or use a fire extinguisher.
3 - When working in the kitchen always wear safe clothing and use pot holders. Never wear loose clothing; draping sleeves may ignite after brushing against a burner.

BEDROOM FIRE SAFETY

1 - Smoking in bed is a good way to start a fire if you fall asleep! Make sure matches and smoking materials are out before disposing of them.
2 - What should you do if a fire breaks out when you are in your bedroom? Stay low, feel the door to see if it is hot; opening it could kill you, oxygen would be added to the fire, allowing it to spread into your bedroom. If the door is hot use an alternate escape route.
3 - Speaking of escape routes, can your family open all bedroom windows easily in the case of a fire emergency? Make sure the windows are not painted shut.

BASEMENT/FURNACE FIRE SAFETY

1 - Keep your furnace cleaned and maintained regularly.
2 - Keep the furnace area free of trash, papers, paint, etc.(Use metal containers for ashes.)

WORKSHOP FIRE SAFETY

1 - Make sure your electrical outlets are not overloaded, use only grounded, heavy-duty extension cords.
2 - Make sure that there is a smoke detector and fire extinguisher in the area.

LINKS TO MORE SAFETY TIPS

Guide to the Best Fire Escape Ladders
Fire Administration Kids Page