Safety and Education

Be familiar with the following fire-prevention measures!

• Install smoke detectors near every sleeping area in the home.

• Test smoke detectors the first day of every month and replace the batteries twice a year.

• A combination smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector will provide you with maximum safety.
  
• Design a fire escape plan for your family - make sure you've identified two ways out of each room.
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• Pathways through the house should be lighted and free of clutter. The use of night-lights and lights switches is encouraged - especially around areas where guests and others unfamiliar with their surroundings may be.
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• Keep flashlights with fresh batteries in convenient places around the house.

• In Case of Fire don't hide, go outside.
  

• Always know the way out and remember to escape a fire, "Fall and Crawl"
  
• If you cannot reach the ground outside your bedroom window keep a rescue ladder nearby. This will be useful if your normal escape path is blocked.
  
• Always keep a fire extinguisher in kitchen.
  
• Do not store flammable materials near hot water heaters or any heat source.
• Do not keep utensils or dish towels near the stove or curtains and clothes near heaters.
  
• Don't wear loose-fitting clothes near your stove or range.
  
• Do not overload electric plugs and wall outlets. If you use extension cords, make sure they are not stretched, frayed, or worn.
  

• Do not smoke in bed.
  

• Keep all oily rags in tightly covered containers.
  

• Keep your furnace clean and check that the pilot light is working properly.
  

• Clean and check your fireplaces and chimneys regularly.
  

• If you're on fire, "Stop, Drop, and Roll".
  

• Know the local emergency number "911".

• Residents should not smoke while using breathing oxygen equipment.

Tips to help the Fire Department

Every second counts during a fire or other emergency. To better locate a residence during an emergency you should:

• Post your address number at the front of your house where it is clearly visible from the street.
  
• If you have a curbside mailbox, place reflecting address numbers on this as well as the curb.
  

• Install a light fixture above the house numbers.
  

• Use large, plain numbers - not script or other hard to read lettering.
  

• Stick with colors that contrast (black-on-white, for example).

PREVENTION CAN SAVE YOUR FAMILY AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY!

last updated 01/11/2012