Every Home Should Have a Fire Extinguisher
At least one fire extinguisher should be installed in plain view above the reach of children in every home. They should be positioned near escape routes and away from stoves or heating appliances. Extinguishers should be inspected and serviced based upon the manufacturer’s service schedule. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once, then must be replaced. A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10 B:C on the label. This type of extinguisher can be used on any commonly caused type of fire.
If you have a fire, always call 911 first and then proceed as follows to operate an extinguisher, using the PASS system:
PULL the pin out to unlock the operating lever.
AIM low; point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
SQUEEZE the lever below the handle to release the chemical.
SWEEP from side to side, moving carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
Keep Your Family Fire Safe
Children’s energy, curiously and creativity seem to sky-rocket everyday. However, this curiosity may cause trouble when kids encounter household items that can be dangerous, such as alcohol and medicine that can make them sick, or matches and old electrical cords that can cause fires. Many of the same skills you teach children when it comes to saying no to drugs and alcohol and being on the lookout for dangerous situations can be used to teach kids about fire safety. McGruff the Crime Dog specializes in preventing problems, which is why he’s speaking out and supporting these fire safety messages. http://www.mcgruff.org
The Problem
Unfortunately, children of all ages start 100,000 fires annually. Over 30 percent of fires that kill children are set by children playing with fire and two/thirds of those start in the bedroom by childrenplaying with matches and lighters. However, you can help make your bedrooms and entire home safer by making sure your family is fire-conscious and aware.
What Parents Can Do
Parents play a critical role in making sure their families and children are safe from home fires.
Educate children about fire-safety. Make sure children know that fire can be dangerous. Teachthem to recognize potential hazards, like worn-out electrical cords, candles burning unattended and overloaded wall sockets, and tell them to always ask for your help when using space heaters and other electrical appliances. Most importantly, teach them to NEVER play with matches and lighters and explain to them why.
Remove potential hazards. Don’t leave matches, lighters or cigarettes lying around. Remove old lectrical cords and plug up unused electrical sockets. Keep clothes, drapes, bedding and other flammables away from candles, lamps, space heaters and stoves. Tell children not to play or leave toys near the oven or stove-top.
Think like a kid. In fact, bend down or crawl around on the ground if you must see what may catch a child’s eye. Household items that seem obviously dangerous to you might seem like toys o your children.
Have the right tools. Smoke alarms save lives! See that all smoke detectors in your home are working properly and always remember to change the batteries. Make sure you have at least one on each floor, especially in or directly outside bedrooms.
Make an escape plan and share it. Have your family practice leaving the house in case of a fire. Teach them two different ways to leave each room. Choose a special meeting place for your family in case a fire starts and teach them to immediately get out and stay out. PRACTICE and get the whole family involved.
Lead by example. Show your children that fire is a tool, not a toy. They will listen. Always remember that education can save your child’s life.
10 Tips for Fire Safety
1) Install Smoke detectors
Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home in time for you to escape, even if you are sleeping. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement and outside each sleeping area. If you sleep with the door closed, install one inside your sleeping area as well.
Test detectors every month, following the manufacture's directions and replace batteries when you adjust your clocks or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use - a disabled detector can't save your life. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old. For complete protection, consider installing automatic fire sprinklers in addition to smoke detectors.
2) Keep an eye on smokers
Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Smoking in bed or when drowsy could be fatal. Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding. Before going to bed or leaving home, check under and around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
3) Cook carefully
Never leave cooking unattended. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled up, or tight-fitting sleeves while cooking. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where they can't be bumped and children can't grab. Enforce a "kid-free zone" that is three feet around the kitchen stove. If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat source. Leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.
4) Plan your escape from fire
If a fire breaks out in your home, you have to get out fast. Prepare for a fire emergency by sitting down with your family and designing an escape plan. Be sure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed ways out - doors and windows - from every room. Decide on a meeting place where everyone will gather after they escape. Have your entire household practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
5) Remember: matches and lighters are tools, not toys
In a child's hands, matches and lighters can be deadly. Use only child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high, where kids can't see or reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach young children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys and should be used by adults only or with adult supervision. Teach young children not to touch them and to tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters; older children should bring matches and lighters to an adult immediately.
6) Give space heaters space
Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
7) Cool a burn
Run cool water over a burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never apply ice. It is dangerous to put butter or any other grease on a burn because it seals in the heat and can damage the tissue further. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
8) Use electricity safely
If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it serviced before using it again. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Don't overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Don't tamper with your fuse box or use improperly sized fuses.
9) Crawl low under smoke
During a fire, smoke and poisonous gases rise with the heat. The air is cleaner near the floor. If you encounter smoke or flames while escaping from a fire, use an alternative escape route. If you must escape through the smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor.
10) Stop, drop and roll
If your clothes catch fire, don't run STOP where you are, DROP to the ground, cover your face with your hands and TOLL over and over to smother the flames.
