Fire Safety

Fire Safety Tips

Act Now to Be Prepared!

Buy and carefully maintain a quality smoke detector.
Learn what causes fire.
Inspect your house to eliminate or control fire hazards.
Install at least a 5-pound A-B-C type fire extinguishers in the home and teach every member in the family how to use them.
Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family
Hold practice fire drills until all family member are thoroughly familiar with the plan.
If you have a older home, have the wiring check by a qualified electrician to make sure it meets current building code.
Have your chimney and fire place cleaned and inspected yearly for creosote build-up, crack, crumbling bricks or mortar and any obstructions.
Keep storage areas clean and tidy
Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
Store solvents and flammables cleaners away from heat sources. Never keep gasoline in the house
Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen.
Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire.

What to Do

Remain CALM, but take IMMEDIATE, action.

If it is a Home or High-Risk Fire:

If you smell smoke or the smoke detector goes off, call the fire department and activate the nearest pull-station at once.
Before you open the door, feel the door by using th back of your hand. If the door is hot or warm, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
If the door is cool, open the door a little to check the hallway. If you see smoke, DO NOT LEAVE.
If there is no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door behind you. Go directly to the stairs to leave.
If you can't escape, use-wet towels or tape to seal the door or any room supply vent.
If you have a balcony and there no fire below it, go out.
If there is a fire below, go by a window and do not open it, but stay by it.
If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it. Stay near open window.
Hang a blanket or a towel out the window to let people know that you are there and need help.
Be calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
NEVER USE THE ELEVATOR.

IF its a Cooking Fire:

Call the fire department immediately.
Slide a pan lid over flames to smother a grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools. Never carry the pan outside.
Extinguish other food fires with baking soda. Never use water or flour on cooking fires.
Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an over or broiler fire.

What to Do After the Fire

Do not enter a fire-damaged building unless authorities say it is OK.
When entering a fire-damaged building, look for signs of heat or smoke.
Have a electrician check your household wiring before the current is turned back on. Do not attempt to reconnect any utilities yourself. Leave this to the fire department and other authorities.
Beware of structural damage. Roofs and floors may be weakened and need repair.
Contact you local disaster relief service, such as The American Red Cross or The Salvation Army, if you need any food, housing or any personal items, which were destroyed in the fire.
Call your insurance agent. Keep records of all clean up and repair costs.
Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.
If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
Secure personal belongings or move them to another location.