Fire Safety

  • Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and keep them working. These should be tested once a month. Batteries should be replaced twice a year.
 
  • Have fire extinguishers throughout the house (e.g., in the kitchen and garage). Identify fire exits and keep them clear.
 
  • Don’t smoke while using oxygen or in a room where oxygen is handled. Oxygen aids in combustion- which makes things burn faster.
 
  • Don’t smoke in bed.
 
  • Don’t use frayed electrical cords. Keep electrical cords away from water.
 
  • If there are signs of a wiring problem, such as frequently blown fuses or dimmed or fluttering lights, have your home’s electrical system checked.
 
  • Do not use elevators in a fire.

If you smell smoke or discover a fire in your home, do the following: “RACE”

R – Rescue anyone in immediate danger

A – Alert the fire department by calling 911 from a phone out of harm’s way

C – Contain the fire by closing doors between you and the fire

E – Extinguish or Evacuate. Extinguish the fire if it’s small and easy to contain; otherwise, evacuate (leave the building immediately).

Fire Extinguisher How-To

Make sure your fire extinguishers are easy to reach. If you use any of them, they will need to be recharged.
Keep an ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher in your home. This is used for A (burning wood, paper, etc.), B (burning gas), and C (electrical) fires.
To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word “PASS”

P – Pull the pin. Release the locking mechanism.

A – Aim low. Point at the base of the fire.

S – Squeeze. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

S – Sweep. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Smoke Alarm Tips

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, near each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.

  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside until the fire department clears the home.

  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years.

  • Replace your smoke alarm batteries twice a year.
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