Keeping Safe
In the United States, someone dies from a home fire roughly every 134 minutes, and every 20 seconds a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation. With these types of statistics, many wonder what they can do to help keep their family safe. The National Fire Protection Association recommends the following:
1. SMOKE DETECTORS. Install and maintain a smoke detector on every level of your home; check the batteries once a month and keep them dust free. Replace batteries at least once a year. If the detector is wired into your electrical system, be sure that the little signal light is blinking periodically. This tells you that the alarm is active.
2. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. They are your best option if you are on the scene when the fire starts. Use an ABC type extinguisher, as they can be used on all types of fires. Have one in your kitchen, garage and workshop and know how to work it. If it is a large fire, get out and call 911.
3. EXIT PLAN 101. As with all other things, it is best to be prepared. Sleep with your door closed. If the door is hot, don’t open it. Find a different exit. Have an easy-to-use window escape ladder on hand and teach your children how to open the window and use the ladder. Have a meeting place and make sure everyone knows that once they are there, they stay there and wait.
4. HEATING YOUR HOME. Used improperly, a space heater can be the most dangerous appliance in your house. Have your furnace inspected by a professional annually. Don’t leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room or when you are asleep. Never use a gas range as a substitute for a furnace or space heater. Keep in mind that with a fireplace, you are deliberately bringing fire into your home; respect it. Use a screen and don’t store kindling or matches near the fireplace. Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season.
5. CLOTHES DRYER. Under some
circumstances, dangerous heat can build up in a dryer. Never leave home with the clothes dryer running. Dryers must be vented to the outside, not into a wall or attic. Clean the lint screen frequently.
6. ELECTRICAL HAZARDS. Electricity silently serves us every day, but it can become a silent serpent. Do not use extension cords unless you must, and be sure they are not frayed or worn. Outlet extensions that accommodate several plugs are strongly discouraged. Watch for warning signs that your electrical system is overloaded, including dimming lights when an appliance goes on, a shrinking TV picture, slow heating appliances, or fuses blowing frequently.
7. KITCHEN. Careless cooking is the number one cause of residential fires. Never leave cooking unattended.
8. SMOKING. If you actually believe
that you’re immune from cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and other ills, at least worry about burning to death. Don’t smoke in bed, or when you are drinking or tired, and use a deep, large ashtray.
9. CHILDREN. One quarter of all
children who die in a fire started that fire themselves. Keep lighters and matches out of reach and do not leave children unattended near a fireplace or space heater.
10. FLAMMABLES. All flammable liquids should be stored in approved safety containers and kept outside the house and garage in a separate storage shed.
Fire Safety Online
Thanks to the Internet, families have a way to learn more about fire safety right at their fingertips. The Internet is full of great interactive resources and activities that make learning about fire safety fun for everyone. Her are just a few Web sites to check out:
www.nfpa.org/sparky
www.playsafebesafe.com
www.firepals.org
www.smokeybear.com/kids