Top Ten Fire Safety Tips
Number 10: Stay Low and Go!
Smoke is the culprit that claims more lives than the fire that makes it.
Try to avoid smoke when escaping, but if you have no choice, get down and
crawl as low as you can to avoid smoke and hot air.
Number 9: Take Care In The Kitchen
Kitchen fires are the most frequent seen by firefighters. Never leave
cooking unattended. Keep lids of pots handy and handles turned inwards.
If grease catches fire, place a lid over the pan and turn off the heat.
Never wear loose fitting clothes or big sleeves when cooking and never
put metal in the microwave.
8. Be Safe With Electricity
Overloaded circuits are a frequent cause of home fires. Multi-plugs
should be avoided and extension cords limited to temporary use; never run
them under rugs or furnishings. Replace any cord or plug that has cracks
or other visible damage. Use only proper size fuses or circuit breakers.
Number 7: Cool Water For Burns
Everyone knows scalding water burns just like fire. Cool water helps to
stop the burning of skin when it occurs. If you or someone gets burned,
don't use butter or any other greasy or oily remedy. Place the burned
area in cool water for 10-15 minutes and seek professional medical help
if needed.
Number 6: Stop, Drop and Roll
If your clothes catch fire, don't run! Stop where you are, cover your
face with your hands, drop to the ground and roll over and over to
smother the flames.
Number 5: Matches And Lighters
Small children are often fascinated by matches and lighters and can
mistake them for toys. Keep them out of reach of little ones, or better
yet, lock them up. Adults should teach children that matches and lighters
are tools for adults, not toys to be played with. If children find them
they should tell an adult immediately.
Number 4: Keep An Eye On Smokers
Careless smoking is the number one cause of fire deaths in America. Never
smoke in bed or when drowsy. Give smokers large ashtrays. Wet butts
before discarding them into garbage receptacles. If you're having a
party, have a designated area for smoking so you can keep an eye on them
and avoid accidents.
Number 3: Practice Your Planned Escape
The best way to survive a fire inside a structure is to get out fast.
Plan two escape routes from each room in your home and practice them with
your family at least twice a year.
Designate a meeting place outside so fire fighters will know everyone is
out, and never go back in to a burning structure - Stay Out!
Number 2: Put Some Space Around Space Heaters
Space heaters produce temperatures that can ignite ordinary home
furnishings. Keep at least 3 feet clearance around them and never place
them close to draperies or shower curtains. Never set space heater on
tables or chairs. Buy only UL or Factory Mutual tested heaters with auto
"tip over" shut offs.
Number 1: Install And Maintain Life
Saving Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are time machines - they give you time to escape by
giving early warning when a fire is present. Install them outside
sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Test them often (weekly)
and keep them clean and dust free. Replace batteries when you change your
clock (spring and fall) and remember a chirping sound from your detector
means your battery is low.
