IN CASE A FIRE BEGINS, REMEMBER THAT TIME IS YOUR WORST ENEMY AND EVERY SECOND COUNTS
First escape and then call the fire department for help. Having an escape plan and establishing a gathering point outside. Ensure that every family member knows two escape routes from every room. Practicing the escape with your eyes closed. Never standing during a fire, you must crouch and crawl under the smoke and try to keep your mouth closed. Not going back into the burning building for any reason; it could cost you your life.
Finally, having a smoke alarm to detect smoke dramatically increases chances of fire survival. And remember to practice an escape plan frequently with the entire family.
Working Together to Ensure a Fire Proof Home
About Preventing Fires at Home
About Preventing Fires at Home There are ways that have been proven time to prevent and survive a fire. It is not a matter of luck. It is a matter of planning ahead.
EVERY HOUSE MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE WELL OPERATING SMOKE DETECTOR
Purchase a smoke detector alarm at any hardware store or discount store. It is an inexpensive protection for your family and you. Install one smoke detector at each level of your house. A well operating smoke detector may double your chances of survival. Check it every month, keep it dust free and change its battery at least once a year. Smoke detectors must be replaced after ten years of service, or according to the manufacturer recommendations.
PREVENTING ELECTRICAL FIRES
Never overcharge circuits or extension cords. Do not place cables and wires under carpets, or hanging from nails or in areas with heavy traffic. Ensure that you immediately turn off and unplug devices that make noises, issue sparks or unusual smells. Have a professional repair or change them.
USING APPLIANCES CAREFULLY
When using appliances, take every safety precaution recommended by the manufacturer. Overheating, unusual smells, short circuits and sparks are warnings that the appliances should be turned off, and then replaced or repaired. Unplug unused appliances. Place safety covers in unused outlets, especially if young children are present.
ALTERNATIVE HEATING DEVICES
Portable heating devices need their own space. Keep them at least three feet away from any flammable material.
Keep the fire in the stove. Use fire screens and have the chimney trees every year. Creosote accumulation may cause a fire in the chimney that can spread easily.
Kerosene heating devices must be used only in places where approved by authorities.
Never use gasoline or camp kitchen fuel. Refill the fuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.
CHEAP SPRINCKLERS FOR FIRE SAFETY AT HOME
Finally, having a smoke alarm to detect smoke dramatically increases chances of fire survival. Sprinklers are cheap – they may increase the property value and reduce insurance rates.
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
Practice a plan to escape from each room in the house. Warn everyone to duck as close to the ground as possible to escape the fire and never open hot doors. Select a place where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Go outside and then call for help.
CHILDREN CARE
Children under five are naturally curious of fire. Many play with matches and lighters. Tragically, every year children cause more than 20,000 fires. Eliminate the mystery of playing with fire and teach your children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
ELDERLY CARE
Every year more than 1,200 senior citizens perish in fires.
Many of those deaths cause by fires could have been avoided. Senior citizens are especially vulnerable because many of them live alone and are not able to act quickly.
