Have your children try this educational link for fire prevention education.
Please remember when you change your clocks to change your batteries in
your smoke detectors.
Teach your children about dialing 911 in an emergancy.
Every Home Should Have at Least One Working Smoke Alarm
Buy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store. It's inexpensive
protection for you and your family. Install a smoke alarm on every level
of your home. A working smoke alarm can double your chances of survival.
Test it monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the battery at least
once a year. Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of
service, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Prevent Electrical Fires
Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires
under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off and
unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them
professionally repaired or replaced.
Use Appliances Wisely
When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that
appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug
appliances when not in use. Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets,
especially if there are small children in the home.
Alternate Heaters
Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least
three feet away.
Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney
cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that
could easily spread.
Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities.
Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the
heater has cooled.
Affordable Home Fire Safety Sprinklers
When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances
of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable -
they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.
Plan Your Escape
Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to
stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that
are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the
house. Get out then call for help.
Caring for Children
Children under five are naturally curious about fire. Many play with
matches and lighters. Tragically, children set over 20,000 house fires
every year. Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching your children
that fire is a tool, not a toy.
Caring for Older People
Every year over 1,200 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these fire
deaths could have been prevented. Seniors are especially vulnerable
because many live alone and can't respond quickly.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is
needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using
them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and
fire.
TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS:
Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or
other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery backup) carbon
monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer's instructions.
Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:
Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-
like structure.
Dry your hands before touching the generator.
Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-
rated extension cord. Make sure en tire extension cord is free of cuts or
tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially a grounding pin.
NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as
backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others
served by the same utility transformer.
If necessary to connect generator to house wiring to power appliances,
have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or, your
utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.
TO AVOID FIRE HAZARDS:
Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass
containers.
Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.
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