|
Poulsbo
Fire Department
Prevention & Safety
Home Fire
Prevention
More than 4,500 Americans
die each year in fires and more than 60,000 are injured. An overwhelming
number of fires occur in the home. There are time-tested ways to prevent
and survive a fire. It's not a question of luck. It's a matter of planning
ahead.
EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE
AT LEAST ONE SMOKE DETECTOR
Buy a smoke detector at any hardware or discount store. It's inexpensive
protection for you and your family. Install a smoke detector on every
level of your home. A working smoke detector can double your chances
of survival. Check it monthly, keep it free of dust, and replace the
battery at least once a year.
PREVENT ELECTRICAL FIRES
Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires
under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off
and have professionally repaired, or replace appliances and lamps that
sputter, spark or omit an unusual smell. Have an electrician check the
wiring in your house.
USE APPLIANCES WISELY
When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs
that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug
appliances when not in use. Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets,
especially if there are small children in the home.
ALTERNATE HEATERS
Portable electric space heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible
at least three feet away.
Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned
regularly. The creosote buildup can ignite your roof and the entire
house.
Kerosene heaters should only be used where approved by authorities.
Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after
the heater has cooled.
AFFORDABLE HOME FIRE SAFETY
SPRINKLERS
When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke detectors, your
chances of surviving a fire can increase to 90 percent. Sprinklers are
affordable--they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.
New technology allows sprinklers
to be connected directly to your standard home plumbing system. Individual
sprinkler heads are only activated where fire strikes. Consider a home
sprinkler system whenever renovating, buying or building a house. Contact
your local fire department for more information.
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Feel your way
out with your eyes closed. Caution everyone to stay low to the ground
when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Purchase
an approved chain ladder to climb out of rooms above the first floor,
and practice using it. Select a location where everyone can meet after
escaping the house. Get everyone out quickly, and then call for emergency
assistance from a neighbor's home.
CARING FOR CHILDREN
Children under five are naturally curious about fire. Many play with
matches and lighters. Tragically, these children set over 100,000 fires
every year.
Take the mystery out of fire
play by teaching your children that fire is a tool, not a toy. Practice
fire safety in your home by following these tips:
- Keep matches and lighters
in a safe place.
- Look for signs of fire
play, such as burn holes in carpets, clothes or furniture, burnt matches
in a closet or under the bed, or disappearing lighters or matches.
- Teach them not to hide
from a fire but to get out and stay out.
- Have regular safety drills
with your family. Practice escape plans.
- Click here for more information
on teaching children about fire safety
CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Every year 1,000 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these fire deaths
could have been prevented. Seniors are especially vulnerable because
many live alone and can't respond quickly. Show your concern for an
older person by reminding him or her to:
- Never smoke in bed. And
when smoking anywhere else, put out cigars and cigarettes immediately
if drowsy.
- Never leave lit cigars,
cigarettes, or pipes unattended.
- Never wear dangling sleeves
or loose garments when cooking.
- Turn off burners when
leaving the kitchen. If cooking food must be left unattended, take
a potholder or spoon as a reminder.
- Finally, having a working
smoke detector dramatically increases your chances of surviving a
fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with
your family.
|
