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Fire Safety and Prevention Tips
Best Line of Defense: Smoke Detectors
Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke usually will not wake a sleeping person; instead, the poisonous gas and smoke quickly numb the senses, causing a deeper sleep. But you CAN get out alive with the help of a simple device -- a smoke detector. By alerting you to the fire and giving you time to escape, smoke detectors can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half. Dozens of brands of smoke detectors are sold in hardware, department and discount stores. Whatever kind you buy, make sure it bears the label of approval from an independent testing laboratory.
Once you have installed a smoke detector, you should test it every month and replace the battery every year.
Stop, Drop and Roll
If your clothes catch on fire, don't run. Running will only help spread the flames. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
Plan To Get Out Alive
Knowing what to do before a fire occurs can save your life. Develop an escape plan for your family --
and practice it .
Draw a floor plan and know at least two exits from every room. If one is a window, be sure every family member knows how to open it and that it opens easily.
Designate a meeting place at a safe distance outside the home.
Practice your fire escape plan with fire drills at least once every six months.
Another Good Idea: Home Sprinkler Systems
Automatic sprinkler systems have been common in factories, warehouses, hotels and public buildings throughout the 20th century. But, since the early 1980s, sprinkler systems have become more popular in private homes, too. Four-fifths of all fire deaths occur at home and, according to a study by the National Institute of Standards Technology, 60 to 70 percent of those deaths could be prevented by adding sprinkler systems to houses and apartments. New standards have made these residential sprinkler systems both more affordable and more practical. In addition, residential sprinkler systems can result in a significant reduction in homeowner's and rental insurance.
When A Fire Occurs
When the smoke detector sounds or fire strikes, leave the building immediately. Do NOT go back in. Follow your escape plan and call 9-1-1 for help. If you are awakened by the smoke detector alarm, get out of bed and crawl low under the smoke. The heat and smoke is intense in a fire; you will not be able to see, and temperatures at the ceiling could reach more than 600 degrees Fahrenheit -- enough to kill you immediately. If your door is closed, feel the door with the palm of your hand. If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If there is fire on the other side, close the door and seek another escape route. If it is safe to leave the room, stay low and get out by the quickest and safest route.
Tips For A Safe Escape
Keep doors closed to keep out smoke and fire. If you go through a door, close it behind you. Block off the smoke with towels, throw rugs or clothing. A door is one of the best protections against fire.
Put a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to make it easier to breathe.
Crawl to a window and open it carefully to let in fresh air. If smoke begins to enter through the open window, close it immediately.
If it is safe to have the window open, wave a sheet, clothing or other bright object to attract attention. You also can hang the sheet or cloth out of the window.
If there is a telephone in the room, call 9-1-1 to let emergency personnel know where you are. If not, yell out the window and make noise to attract attention.
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Mayor's Message
