1.
Install fire protection: Smoke alarms are your best
early-warning system in the event of fire. Install smoke alarms
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 alarms every month and
replace batteries once a year, or whenever an alarm
"chirps" to signal low battery power. Never
"borrow" a smoke alarm's battery for another use, a
disabled alarm can't save your life. Replace all alarms that are
more than 10 years old. For complete home protection, consider
installing an automatic fire sprinkler system.
2. Plan your escape from fire: If a fire occurs in your
home, you have to get out fast. Sit down with your family and
work out an escape plan in advance. Be sure that everyone knows
at least two unobstructed exits -- including windows-- from
every room. If you live in an apartment building, use the
stairs, not the elevator to escape from fire. Decide on a
meeting place outside where everyone will meet after they
escape. Have your entire household practice your escape plan at
least twice a year.
3. Keep an eye on smokers: Careless smoking is the leading
cause of fire deaths in North America. Smoking in bed or when
you are drowsy could be fatal. Provide smokers with large, deep,
non-tip ashtrays, and soak butts with water before discarding
them. Before going to sleep or leaving home after someone has
been smoking, check under cushions and around upholstered
furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
4. Remember matches and lighters are tools, for adults only: 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 children that matches and lighters are
tools, for grown-ups only. Teach young children to tell a
grown-up if they find matches or lighters; older children should
bring matches and lighters to an adult immediately.
5. Cook safely: Always stay near cooking to monitor it
closely. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and wear
clothes with short, rolled-up, or tight-fitting sleeves when you
cook. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump
them and children can't grab them. Enforce a
"kid-free" zone three feet (one meter) around your
kitchen range. 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.
6. Give space heaters space: Keep portable heaters and space
heaters at least three feet (one meter) away from anything that
can burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters, and turn
them off when you leave home or go to sleep.
7. Use electricity safely:
If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug
it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again.
Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Plug only
one electrical cord into each receptacle. Avoid running any
cords under rugs. Do not use extension cords if possible. Don't
tamper with your fuse box or use improper size fuses.
8.
Cool a burn: Run cool water over a burn for 10 to 15
minutes. Never apply ice. Never put butter or any other grease
on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a
doctor immediately.
9.
Crawl low under smoke: If you encounter smoke while you are
escaping from a fire, use an alternative escape route if
possible. If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands
and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60
centimeters) above the floor, where the air will be cleaner.
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 roll over and over to smother the flames. Cool
the burn with water and call for help.
