Fire Safety -
Ten Tips |
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"Fire Safety is a Family Affair"
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Test smoke alarms
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- Working smoke alarms cut your risk of dying in a fire by half.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each
sleeping area. For maximum protection, consider installing a smoke alarm
in every bedroom.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and for battery operated smoke alarms, changed
the battery at least once a year or sooner if a "chirping"
noise occurs.
- Special smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired.
- Never use a smoke alarm battery for another purpose - a disabled alarm
can't save your life. Replace alarms that are more than 10 years old.
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- Plan your escape with your family.
- If a fire breaks out in your home, seconds count.
- Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room. (If you live
in an apartment - Do not use the elevator).
- Choose a meeting place outside where everyone will go once they have
left the building.
- Practice your escape plan with your family at least twice a year.
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- Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays and thoroughly
soak butts with water before discarding.
- If you have smokers in your home, regularly check under and around
upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
- Never smoke in bed or while under the influence of alcohol or medications.
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Keep children and pets away from heaters
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- Keep one metre (three feet) between space heaters and everything else,
including you!
- Clothes can ignite simply by brushing against a space heater
- Keep children and pets away from space heaters and always turn them
off before leaving home or going to bed.
- Never leave cooking unattended and set a timer to remind you to turn
off burners and the oven.
- Wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves while you cook.
- Keep the stove surface free clutter and grease.
- If a grease fire occurs use a pot holder or oven mitts and carefully
slide a lid or a cookie sheet over the pan and turn off the burner.
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Store matches and lighters out of reach of children
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- Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them and
children can't reach them.
- Keep children at least one meter (three feet) away from the stove.
- Store matches and lighters above the reach of children.
- Use only child resistant lighters.
- Teach young children that matches and lighters are tools to be used
by adults only or with adult supervision.
- Teach children to tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters;
older children should bring matches and lighters to an adult immediately.
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- If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it
immediately, and have it serviced.
- Replace and electrical cord that is frayed or cracked.
- Extension cords are for temporary use only. Don't overload them or
run them under rugs.
- Don't tamper with your fuse box or use improperly sized fuses.
- Run cool water over a burn for 10-15 minutes. Never apply ice, salve
or butter to a burn as it will seal in the heat and can damage the tissue
further. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
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- During a fire, the air is cleaner near the floor. If you are unable
to use your escape route due to smoke or fire, try your alternative
exit. If you are forced to escape through smoke, crawl on your hands
and knees, staying below the smoke where the air is easier to breathe.
- If your clothes catch fire, never run. Stop where you are, drop to
the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over
to smother the flames.
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Crawl on your hands and knees to stay low below
the smoke
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Delta Fire Dept.
