September- Home Fire Safety

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

September 2023 – Home Fire Safety

Week #1—Teach Children Fire Safety

Review basic fire safety with your children and grandchildren so they will know how to…

·       Call 911 (only in an emergency)

·       Stop, Drop, and Roll (if clothes catch fire)

·       Crawl on floor to avoid smoke

·       Recognize what fire alarms sound like

For a free 16 page fire safety activity book, click here.

Week #2—Smoke and CO Detectors

Install smoke detectors at top of stairs, by bedrooms, and in basement. Install carbon monoxide detectors by your kitchen and furnace.

·       Check batteries twice a year

·       Replace detectors every 10 years

If an alarm sounds, move quickly outside or to an open window. Call for help and stay by fresh air until help arrives.

Week #3—Fire Extinguishers

Have large fire extinguishers that handle ABC fires (wood, gas, electrical) in kitchen, garage, and bedrooms. Know how to pull the pin. Aim retardant at the base of fire in a sweeping motion.

Check the fullness gage every year. Dispose of empty fire extinguishers at a toxic material drop off (locations).

Week #4—Check for Fire Hazards

Inspect your home for fire hazards and resolve any issues found. For a 3-minute video click here.

·       Pick an outdoor meeting place

·       House number is easy to see at night

·       Inspect and clean furnace, chimney, and wood stoves

·       Fire escape plan, with two ways to exit every room

·       Photograph valuables for insurance and store them offsite

·       Cooking Safety:

o   Stay nearby while cooking

o   Supervise children while cooking

o   Keep cookware handles pointing in over stove

·       Combustible Safety:

o   Keep matches, lighters, candles out of reach of children

o   Store flammable liquids away from your home

o   Stack firewood away from your home

·       Space Heater Safety:

o   Keep three feet away from anything that can catch fire

o   Use non-glowing electric heaters with auto shut-off

o   Turn off when you leave the room

·       Electrical Safety:

o   Do not overload power outlets

o   Covers on all electrical outlets

o   No exposed wiring

·       Smoking Safety

o   Most home fires are caused by negligent smoking

o   Do not smoke in bed, while drowsy, or medicated

o   Do not smoke where oxygen is used

o   Use deep, sturdy ashtrays

Home Fire Survival Guide

Keep the following information in your 72-hour kit or on your cell phone so you can easily find it during an emergency.

·       Yell, “Fire!” several times to alert others.

·       Get out fast. Do not stay inside to fight the fire or collect valuables.

·       Stay low and crawl on the floor to avoid breathing smoke. Smoke is much more dangerous than flames. This is because there is so much toxic plastic in homes these days.

·       If a doorknob is hot, do not open it.

·       If you cannot get out, close the door, cover the bottom of the door with a towel, and call for help from a window.

·       Call 911 after you are outside.

·       Go to your meeting area.

·       Do not go back inside for any reason. Many people are overcome by smoke trying to rescue others, pets, or possessions. Let firefighters rescue anyone who needs help.

·       Do not reenter a damaged home, until you are told it is safe to do so.

·       If your clothes catch fire...

o   STOP what you are doing.

o   DROP to the ground and cover your face.

o   ROLL over and over until the flames go out.

·       Cool burned skin with water for 3 – 5 minutes.

·       Seek medical treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

·       Remain calm. Get adequate rest.

·       Eat healthy. Stay hydrated.

·       Feeling tired, frustrated, sad, worried, and having trouble sleeping are normal.

·       Set priorities, pace yourself, and stay positive.

·       While cleaning up, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, good boots, work gloves, and a face mask.

·       Discard food, beverages, and medicine exposed to heat.

·       Document damage for insurance.