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FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOME REQUIRES EFFORT
Being safe from fire in the home is no easy job, it takes a conscious effort
on the part of all members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest.
To help your
family work at fire safety in the home, we have included ten
tips for home fire
safety.
1. Install and maintain smoke detectors
Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home. This
includes the basement. There should be one outside each sleeping area. In
apartment buildings, there should be a smoke detector in each
apartment.Install, test, and maintain smoke detectors according to the
manufacturer's directions. Replace the dead batteries immediately. The
detector will usually emit short beeps when batteries begin to lose power.
Keep the face of the detector clean and free of dust and cobwebs.
2. Practice EDITH — Exit Drills In The Home
Design an escape plan for the family. Make sure special provisions are made
for infants, elderly, and handicapped persons. Always have two ways out of
any room, including basements, in case smoke or flames make one way
unusable. Make
sure that everyone knows where to go when they get out of the
house. Pick a
place for everyone to meet. Never go back into a building that
is on fire. In an apartment building, use only the stairs as an exit, never
an elevator.
3. Stop, Drop, and Roll
If your clothes should ever catch on 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 the face. Practice this with young
children regularly.
4. A match is a tool
Matches and lighters are tools for adults. Keep them where children cannot
reach them. Teach children to give matches and lighters to adults.
5. Crawl low in smoke
Smoke is hot from the fire. This will make it rise to the highest part of
your house, around the ceiling, That is why you crawl low in smoke. The
cleanest air is near
the floor.
6. 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.
7. Smokers need watchers
Make sure smokers extinguish cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays. Empty the
ashtrays into the toilet. Check under the sofa and chair cushions for
cigarette
butts before going to bed. Never smoke in bed.
8. Space heaters need space
Keep portable space heaters at least 36 inches away from things that
burn-paper, bedding, clothing, curtains, etc. Keep small children away from
the heaters. Turn
the heaters off when going to bed or when leaving the
home.
9. Be careful when cooking
Always pay complete attention when cooking at the stove. Keep your children
out
of the way. If grease catches fire, place a lid over the pan to smother
the fire; turn
off the burner. Never throw water or anything else onto a
grease fire. Make sure
pot handles are turned inward so that they can't be
accidentally tipped over.
10. Practice safety with electricity
If an appliance gives off smoke or a burning odor, unplug it immediately and
have it checked for repairs. Check the 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.
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