Fire
Getting Prepared
- Install smoke detectors, according to the manufacturer's directions, on every level of your house: outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall, at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen.
- Clean smoke detectors once a month and change batteries at two specified times each year, when you set your clocks for Daylight Savings or Standard Time.
- Plan two escape routes out of each room. Contact your local fire authority for help in planning for the safe escape of those with disabilities.
- Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut and security grating on windows have a fire safety opening feature.
- Teach everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from a fire.
- Pick a meeting place outside your home for the family to meet after escaping from a fire. ONCE OUT, STAY OUT !
- Practice your escape plans at least twice a year.
- Clean out storage areas. Store flammable and combustible liquids in approved containers.
- Keep containers in the garage or an outside storage area.
- Inspect electrical appliances and extension cords for bare wires, worn plugs and loose connections annually.
- Clean and inspect primary and secondary heating equipment annually.
- Learn how to shut off the gas and electricity in an emergency.
- Install A-B-C type fire extinguishers: teach family members how to use them.
- Inspect or service your fire extinguisher annually.
- Do not attempt to extinguish a fire that is rapidly spreading.
- Use water or a fire extinguisher to put out small fires.
- Never use water on an electrical fire.
- Smother oil and grease fires in the kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the flame if it is burning in a pan.
- If your clothes catch fire-Stop-Drop-Roll-until the fire is out.
- Sleep with your door closed.
- If the smoke alarm sounds, crouch down low, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand before opening it. If the door is hot, escape through the window. If the door is not hot and this route is your only means of escape, crawl below the level of the smoke and use the first available exit door to escape. If you cannot escape, leave the door closed, stay where you are and hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window.
- Stay out of the burned structure.
- Notify your local disaster relief service if you need housing, food, etc.
- Call your insurance agent.
- Ask the fire department for assistance in retrieving important documents.
- Keep records of all clean-up and repair costs.
- Secure personal belongings.
- If you are a tenant, notify the landlord.