FIRE SAFETY BEGINS AT HOME

Don't wonder what you would do in a fire emergency—Know!

Fire is the fourth largest accidental killer in the United States. It is also the disaster that families are most likely to experience.

Kitchen Fire Safety:

Watch what you put on the stove. An electric coil reaches a temperature of 800 degrees. A gas flame goes over 1000 degrees. Your dishtowl or potholder can catch fire at 400 degrees. So can your bathrobe, apron, or other loose clothing! You should never put any thing on the stove you don't want to heat and NEVER leave cooking unattended.

Clean exhaust hood and duct over stove regularly. Wipe up spilled grease as soon as the surface of the stove is cool. Keep a fire extinguisher mounted nearby. Watch young children closely while they are in the kitchen, keep all pot handles pointed toward the back of the stove and use back burners whenever possible. NEVER pour water on a grease fire--it scatters the flame. Cover the pan with a lid, or close the oven door and turn off the stove.

Fire Extinguisher:

Learn how to use your fire extinguisher before there is an emergency. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, garage and workshop. Purchase ABC type for extinguishing all types of fires. Remember, use extinguisher on small fires only. If there is a large fire, get out immediately and call your fire department.

Smoke Detectors:

Install a smoke detector on each level of your home or apartment and in every sleeping area. Smoke is responsible for 3 out of 4 fire deaths. Keep smoke detectors dust free and change batteries at least once a year. Test all smoke detectors once a month.

Wiring/Extension Cords:

In many older homes, capacity of the wiring system has not kept pace with todays modern appliances.   Overloaded electrical systems invite fire.  Watch for these overlaoded signals: dimming lights when an appliance goes on. A shrinking TV picture. slow heating appliances(like a toaster).  Fuses blowing frequently. Check for frayed insulation, damaged cords, loose connections and loose wall receptacals.

Clothes Dryers:

Never put synthetic fabrics, plastic, rubber or foam in your dryer, because they retain heat. Clean lint screen before and after use. Dryers must be vented to the outside and plugged into their own outlet. Never leave home with the dryer running.

Escape Planning:

ESTABLISH A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN.  Every room should have 2 means of escape.  Make sure all windows can be opened from the inside and are not painted shut. An exit route out of the house without opening a bedroom door is important. Decide on a meeting place for all family members away from the house. If you suspect a fire, get out and call the fire department from your neighbor's house.  Never re-enter.

IN CASE OF FIRE:

First thing---Don't panic!  Open doors carefully, only after feeling them to see if they are hot. Stay close to the floor as smoke and hot gases rise. Breathe through a cloth and take short, shallow breaths. Follow your pre-planed escape route.  Remember being prepared could save your life and those you love!

RULES FOR FIRE SAFETY:

NEVER wear loose clothing while cooking.

NEVER leave cooking unattended.

NEVER overload electrical outlets.

NEVER leave home with the dryer running.

ALWAYS test smoke detectors once a month.

PLAN your home exit drill and PRACTICE IT!

REMEMBER-NEVER go back into your home if it is on fire!