Fire Safety Tips and Info

Install smoke detectors
Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering and burning fires. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every level of a structure. Purchase smoke detectors labeled by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

Post emergency numbers near telephones.
Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home.

Make sure you have a safe fire escape method for all situations
You may have installed a very expensive home security system. But if you cannot escape the burning structure you have a false level of confidence.

Space Heaters Need Space
Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them.

Smokers Need To Be Extra Careful
Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.

Be Careful Cooking
Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.

Matches and Lighters are Dangerous
In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly! Store them where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked area. Teach children that matches and lighters are "tools" and should only be used by adults.

Use Electricity Safely
If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don't overload extension cords. They should not be run under rugs. Never tamper with the fuse box or use the improper size fuse.

Be Careful of Halogen Lights
If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas. Never leave them on when you leave your home or office.

Tips for Making Your Property Fire Resistant

• Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such as dead limbs and leaves.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.
• Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home.
• Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly.
• Post home address signs that are clearly visible from the road.
• Provide emergency vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.
• Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department.
• Burning yard waste is a fire hazard. Check with your local fire agency on a non-emergency number for fire permit requirements and restricted burning times.

Protect Your Home

• Use fire resistant, protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect your home. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire protection.
• Cover all exterior vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters.
• Install multipane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat.
• Use fire-resistant draperies for added window protection.
• Have chimneys, wood stoves and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.

Prepare Your Family

• Know how to contact fire emergency services in your area.
• Plan ahead. Make sure you and your family are prepared for a fire emergency.
• Develop and practice escape and evacuation plans with your family.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long-life smoke alarms.

Special Tips For Owners of Manufactured Homes

Fires in manufactured homes claim the lives of over 300 Americans each year and injure 700 more. Many of these fires are caused by heating and electrical system malfunctions and improper storage of combustibles. You can prevent the loss of life and property resulting from fires in manufactured homes by being able to identify potential hazards and following these safety tips.

Manufactured homes account for 17,700 fires, hundreds of deaths and $155 million in property losses in any given year. Manufactured homes have a fire death rate per 100,000 housing units 32-50 percent higher than the rate for other dwellings. Young children account for more than one-fifth of all fire deaths in manufactured homes. A recent study of rural fires showed that smoke alarms were less likely to be present or operating in manufactured homes.

Electrical system malfunctions and heating fires are the leading causes of fire in manufactured homes. Together, they account for one-third of manufactured housing fires. Electrical distribution fires occur nearly twice as often in manufactured homes as in one- and two-family dwellings.

Safety Precautions

• Have a minimum of two smoke alarms installed in your home regardless of sleeping space arrangements.
• Install smoke alarms in accordance with smoke alarm manufacturer guidelines. Test your smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Maintain your home heating system by having it serviced at least once a year by a professional.
• Do not store combustibles or flammables near heat sources.
• Never overload outlets, extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit breaker trips or fuses blow, immediately call a licensed electrician to check your system.
• Have an escape plan and practice escape routes with your family.
• Space heaters need their space. Do not place portable space heaters close to drapes, clothing or other combustible materials.
• Install skirting material to keep leaves and other debris and combustible items from blowing under your manufactured home.
• When considering a new home, ask if residential sprinklers are available as an option.
• If there is a fire - get out immediately, go to a neighbor's and notify the fire department using the 911 system or the proper local emergency number in your area.

Tips for Senior Citizens

The facts speak for themselves: Americans over the age of 65 are one of the groups at greatest risk of dying in a fire. On average, more than 900 Americans age 65 and over die in fires. People over the age of 85 die in fires at a rate five times higher than the rest of the population. However, there are a number of precautionary steps older Americans can take to dramatically reduce their chances of becoming a fire casualty.

Older Americans are at risk for fire death and injuries for a number of reasons:

• They may be less able to take the quick action necessary in a fire emergency.
• They may be on medication that affects their ability to make quick decisions.
• Many older people live alone and when accidents happen others may not be around to help.

Additional Safety Tips for Older Americans

Kitchen Fires

Most kitchen fires occur because food is left unattended on the stove or in the oven. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, take a spoon or potholder with you to remind you to return to the kitchen. Never cook with loose, dangling sleeves that can ignite easily. Heat cooking oils gradually and use extra caution when deep-frying. If a fire breaks out in a pan, put a lid on the pan. Never throw water on a grease fire. Never use a range or stove to heat your home.

Space Heaters

Buy only Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved heaters. Use only the manufacturer's recommended fuel for each heater. Do not use electric space heaters in the bathroom or around other wet areas. Do not dry or store objects on top of your heater. Keep combustibles away from heat sources.

Smoking

Don't leave smoking materials unattended. Use "safety ashtrays" with wide lips. Empty all ashtrays into the toilet or a metal container every night before going to bed. Never smoke in bed.

In The Event Of A Fire

Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes.

Test windows and doors—do they open easy enough? Are they wide enough. Or tall enough?

Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.

Practice alerting other members. It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom

Conduct a family meeting and discuss the following topics:

• Always sleep with the bedroom doors closed. This will keep deadly heat and smoke out of bedrooms, giving you additional time to escape.
• Find a way for everyone to sound a family alarm. Yelling, pounding on walls, whistles, etc. Practice yelling "FIRE!"
• In a fire, time is critical. Don't waste time getting dressed, don't search for pets or valuables. Just get out!
• Roll out of bed. Stay low. One breath of smoke or gases may be enough to kill.

Practice evacuating the building blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke generated by a fire most likely will make it difficult to see.

Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.

Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is hot, get out another way.

Learn to stop, drop to the ground, roll if clothes catch fire.

After a fire emergency
Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured victims should be transported to professional medical help immediately. Stay out of the damaged building. Return only when fire authorities say it is safe.

Cool a Burn
If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately!