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Fire Safety In
The Home
10 Tips for
Fire Safety
1. Install and
Maintain Life Saving Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are time
machines-they give you time to escape by warning you early when a fire is
present. Install them outside sleeping areas and on each level of your home.
Test them often, keep them clean and dust free and give them a new battery once
a year. A chirping noise from your detector means your battery is low.
2. Put Some
Space Around Space Heaters
Space heaters produce
temperatures that can ignite ordinary home furnishings. Keep at least 3 ft.
clear space around them and never place them close to draperies or shower
curtains. Buy only UL or Factory Mutual tested heaters with automatic "tip over"
shut offs.
3. Practice Your
Planned Escape
The best way to survive a
fire inside a building is to get out fast. Plan two escape routes from each room
in your home and practice the routes with family members at least twice a year.
Pick a meeting place everyone can gather outside and never go back in. Stay out!
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 throwing a party, have a designated area for smoking so
you can keep an eye on smokers and avoid accidents.
5. Matches And
Lighters
Small children are often
fascinated by matches and lighters and can mistake them for toys. Keep them out
of reach or locked up from little ones. 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.
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 to smother the flames
7. Cool Water
For Burns
Everyone knows scalding
water burns just like fire. Well, cool water helps to stop the burning of skin
when it occurs. If you or someone gets burned, don't use butter or some other
home remedy. Place the burned area in cool water for 10-15 minutes and seek
professional medical help if needed.
8. Be Safe With
Electricity
Overloaded circuits are a
constant problem that cause 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 visible damage. Use
only proper size fuses.
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 the 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 keep all metals out of microwave ovens.
10. Stay Low And
Go!
Smoke is the culprit that
claims more lives than the fire that makes it. Try to avoid smoky ways out, but
if you have no choice, get down and crawl as low as you can to find the best
remaining air as you escape.
FIRE SAFETY LINKS
Sparky the Fire Safety Dog!
Fire Pals!
USFA Kids Page
Kinderhive Fire Safety Activities
Smoky Bear
U.S. Fire Administration Safety
Tips
Fire Safe Council
Electrical Safety Foundation
EPA - Carbon Monoxide Safety
Underwriters Lab - Safety
Fire Safety.Gov
US Consumer Safety
Publications
Red
Cross Fire Safety
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JACKSON
COUNTY
