HOME SAFETY

SAFETY TIPS:

Plan To Get Out Alive

1. Knowing what to do before a fire occurs can save your life. Develop an escape plan for your family — and practice it — today.
2. Draw a floor plan and know at least two exits from every room. If one is a window, be sure every family member knows how to open it and that it opens easily.
3. If you live or work in a high-rise building, know the location of the exit stairs. Never take the elevator during a fire.
4. Designate a meeting place at a safe distance outside the home.
5. Practice your fire escape plan with fire drills at least once every six months.

IF YOU HOME CAUGHT FIRE, WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

WOULD YOUR CHILDREN?

KITCHEN
    Kitchen fires are the most common source of structure fires. Typically these fires are caused by careless cooking, buildup of grease or faulty appliances. KITCHEN Hints:

• DO NOT leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or a potholder as a reminder.

• DO NOT cook wearing sleeves that can dangle near the burners.

• DO NOT use your oven or stove to heat the residence.

• DO NOT let grease build up on your stove or oven.

• DO NOT let crumbs build up in your toaster.

• DO NOT overload electrical outlets with plug in appliances.

• DO NOT let curtains hang near your oven or range.

• DO NOT put flammable materials such as pizza boxes in the oven.

• Make certain all appliances (coffee pot, oven, etc.) are turned off before you leave the home or go to bed.

BEDROOM
    Bedroom fires often occur from careless smokers that fall asleep or faulty or inappropriate use of portable space heaters. THINGS to sleep by:

• DO NOT smoke in bed.    

• DO NOT place heaters within three feet of flammable materials.

• DO NOT use heaters to dry clothes.

• DO NOT use extension cords with portable heaters.

• DO NOT leave portable heaters on when sleeping or when leaving the home unattended.

• Unplug heaters when you are not using them.

LIVING / FAMILY AREAS
    Fires common to the living/family areas are usually caused by careless smoking, unattended candles or fireplaces. Animals often knock over unattended candles. These CAREFUL tips may just save your life:

• DO NOT put ash trays on chairs or sofas

• DO NOT run electrical cords under rugs or carpets.

• DO NOT staple electrical cords to walls or floors.

• DO NOT leave cigarettes burning in ashtrays unattended.

• DO NOT leave candles burning unattended.

• DO NOT leave fireplace fires burning unattended.

• Have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected before each heating season.

If A Fire Occurs . . .

        When the smoke detector sounds or fire strikes, leave the building immediately. Do NOT go back in. Follow your escape plan and call 9-1-1 for help.

        If you are awakened by the smoke detector alarm, get out of bed and crawl low under the smoke. The heat and smoke is intense in a fire; you will not be able to see, and temperatures at the ceiling could reach more than 600 degrees Fahrenheit – enough to kill you immediately.

        If your door is closed, feel the door with the palm of your hand. If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If there is fire on the other side, close the door and seek another escape route.

        If it is safe to leave the room, stay low and get out by the quickest and safest route.

Working Smoke Detectors Save Lives!

Does Your Home Have:

Smoke Detectors
    Most home fire deaths happen between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Many deaths are caused by smoke and toxic gases, not the fire itself. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement and workshop, and especially near sleeping areas. For extra protection, consider installing a smoke detector in every bedroom. Be sure to test batteries at least once a month and never remove the batteries from your smoke detector except to replace them.

Carbon Monoxide Detector
    Because CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, it often goes undetected. Carbon monoxide is a normal by-product of combustion. Therefore, any fuel burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source. Every home should have at least one CO detector placed in an area near sleeping rooms. Be sure your detector displays the Underwriters Laboratories (UL 2034) label.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
    A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an electronic device that helps protect you from serious injury by monitoring the electricity flowing in the circuit. If an imbalance occurs, the Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter will almost instantly shut-off the current flowing through the circuit. A GFCI is essential in circuits to bathrooms, laundry facilities, kitchens, swimming pools, and outdoor receptacles. Test the GFCI monthly by pressing the test button and then the reset button to see that it is operating properly.

Fire Extinguishers
    A multi-purpose dry chemical Class ABC fire extinguisher is the best choice for general home use. Mount the extinguisher on a bracket on the wall near an exit so that anyone using it can escape from the room if a fire spreads. All occupants of the home must know when and how to use the extinguisher properly.

Emergency Evacuation Plan
    Make your plan now, before you need it. Have at least two exits from every room, and include all occupants of the home in practicing the plan.

Flashlights
    Make sure the batteries are functional or use flashlights with built-in, rechargeable batteries. Keep the flashlights readily accessible at bedsides and in the basement.

First Aid Kit
    Keep a well stocked first aid kit (including ipecac syrup) in your home. Make sure everyone knows where to find it and how and when to use the items in it.

List of Emergency Phone Numbers
    Post a list of emergency numbers including police, fire, doctors, and poison prevention centers at every telephone in the home. In the event of an emergency, time is of the essence and even a very young child can phone for help if the number is available.

Tagged Shutoffs
    Place tags on your home shut-off valves for gas, oil, and water, and the main shut-off for your electrical supply. Know how to safely turn off these services to your home in the event of an emergency.

Grab Bars
    Install grab bars in all bathtubs and shower stalls. Firmly anchor them into the wall studs with long screws.

Slip Resistant Finishes
    Use a non-slip mat, or install strips or decals in bathtubs or showers to help prevent slipping.

Safety Glazing 
    Shower doors, patio doors, window walls, or any other large glass panel in your home should be made with safety glazing materials (safety glass). Look for a permanent mark in the lower corner showing the manufacturer's name, type of safety glass, and thickness.

Handrails
    Every set of stairs, whether inside or outside your home, should have handrails securely mounted to both sides of the stairs.

Step Stool/Utility Ladder
    A light-weight, sturdy step stool or utility ladder is necessary for those hard to reach places, for hanging pictures, and for cleaning and general home maintenance. Having it readily accessible will keep you from substituting with a chair.

Sufficient Lighting
    Use night lights near bathrooms, bedrooms, and stairwells. Make sure stairwells and hallways are always adequately lit. Provide sufficient lighting to all walkways and entrances to your home.

Tested Appliances
    All electric and gas appliances in your home should carry the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or American Gas Association (AGA) designation.

Safety Goggles
    Eye protection is an absolute must for the do-it-yourselfer, but is also recommended for indoor cleaning, yard, and garage work.

Survival Kit
    Every home is vulnerable to acts of nature. To prepare yourself for an unexpected disaster, such as a hurricane, power outage, tornado, or earthquake, keep a survival kit available. Your kit should include such items as tools, a battery operated radio and flashlight, clothing and bedding, containers of water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. To get a complete list of what should be in a survival kit, contact your local emergency management office.

Homes Where Children Live ot Visit Need Special Consideration. They Should Have:

• A lockable, "child-proof" section for every medicine cabinet.
• Locking cabinets for matches, lighters, flammable liquids, potentially poisonous household cleaners, garden pesticides, auto chemicals, pool cleaners, etc.
• Plastic safety caps to cover any unused electrical outlets, cabinet locks for kitchen, hobby areas, and bath vanities.
• Child safety gates at the top and bottom of stairwells.
• A metal fire screen that completely covers the fireplace.
• Spout guards and a mixer faucet for hot and cold bathtub water faucets.
• Edge guards for sharp-edged furniture and fireplace hearths.
• Protective surfacing under and around all outdoor playground equipment.

Homes with Swimming Pools Should Have:

• A four foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Life preservers.
• Rescue equipment.
• A lockable cabinet for pool chemical storage.
• A poolside telephone.
      *See also Water Safety

            Last Revision:     11/05/04