|
10 Tips
For Fire Safety
Here are 10 important tips for fire safety,
provided by NFPA, the National Fire Protection Association.
Stop, Drop and Roll - If your clothing
catches fire, stop wherever you are, drop to the floor
or ground, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
Cover your face with your hands to protect your face.
- Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors -
Install at least one smoke detector on
every level of your home. There should be one outside
each sleeping area. In apartment buildings, there should
be smoke detectors in each apartment. Test smoke detectors
once a month according to directions. Replace dead batteries
immediately. Clean away any dust or cobwebs from the
face of the detector.
- Practice EDITH - Exit Drills in the Home
- Design an escape plan for your family.
Make special provisions for infants, elderly and handicapped
persons. Have two ways out of every room in case flames
or smoke block one way. Establish a place outside where
everyone will gather. Don't go back into a building
that is on fire. Practice an escape plan with an Exit
Drill in the Home (EDITH). In an apartment building,
use only the stairs as a fire exit, never an elevator.
- Crawl Low in Smoke - Crawl
low in smoke, moving on hands and knees. Cleaner air
is nearer the floor.
- Cool a Burn - If someone
gets burned, put cool water on the burned skin immediately.
Seek a doctor's help if a blister forms or if the burn
is severe.
- Smokers Need Watchers - Make
sure smokers extinguish cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays.
Empty ashtrays into the toilet. Check under sofa and
chair cushions for cigarette butts before going to bed.
Never smoke in bed.
- Space Heaters Need Space - Keep
portable heaters at least 36 inches away from things
that burn - papers, bedding, clothing, curtains. Keep
small children away from heaters. Turn heaters off when
going to bed or when leaving the home.
- Be Careful When Cooking -
Pay complete attention when cooking at the stove. Keep
young children out of the way. Make sure pot handles
are turned inward so they can't be accidentally tipped
over. If grease catches fire, place the lid over the
pan to smother the fire; turn off the burner. Never
throw water or anything else onto a grease fire.
- Practice Safety with Electricity - If
an appliance gives off smoke or a burning odor, unplug
it immediately and have it checked for repair. Check
cords on appliances; have cords replaced if they are
frayed or broken. Do not place extension cords under
rugs or in other places where they may be stepped on
and broken. If you replace a blown fuse, make sure the
new fuse is of the same amperage rating.
- A Match is a Tool - For
Adults - Matches and lighters are tools for adults.
Keep them where children can't reach them. Teach children
to give matches and lighters to adults.
REMEMBER - If there is a fire, get out immediately and
call the fire department from a neighbor's. Ask your fire
department for information and help with fire safety in
the home. |