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Hurricane Bob's Fire Safety Tips
- Space heaters need their space! Keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.
- When buying a heater, look for a thermostat control and a switch that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
- Heaters are not dryers or tables! Don't dry or store objects on top of your heater.
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- Keep fire where it belongs--in fire places! Clean and inspect your chimney regularly. Creosote build-up can ignite your chimney, roof, and the whole house.
- Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container. Cardboard boxes and paper bags can quickly catch fire.
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- Wear clothes with tight sleeves when you cook. Always set a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off burners and the oven.
- Never smoke in bed or while you are on medication that could make you drowsy or disoriented.
- If you are hearing-impaired, use smoke detectors that have blinking lights.
- If you have trouble with stairs, it may be best to sleep on the first floor.
- If you must exit through smoke, crouch or crawl.
- If your clothing catches fire, stop where you are, drop gently to the floor or ground, cover your face with your hands to protect your face from flames, and roll over and over to smother the flames. If you cannot drop to the floor, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.
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- Plan your escape. Draw a floor plan of your home. Show two ways out of every room. Discuss escape routes with your family. Agree on a meeting place outside the front of your home. PRACTICE your plan at least twice a year. GET OUT AND STAY OUT. DON'T GO BACK IN FOR ANY REASON.
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- The primary job of your smoke detector is to protect you from fires while you sleep. Thus the smoke detector should be placed between any sleeping persons and the rest of the house.
- Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area on every additional level.
- There are two types of home smoke detectors: the ion type and the photoelectric type. The ion reacts faster to open flaming fire, and the photoelectric reacts faster to smoldering fires. Both types provide good protection.
- Place smoke detectors on the ceiling or high on the wall, niether closer than 4 inches nor more than 12 inches from ceiling. Do not place near air vents.
- Change the battery in a detector once a year, and test it once a month.
- SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!!!!!! IT COULD BE YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!
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- Set a good example by following basic fire-safety practices in the home, and teach your children to respect fire.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach--preferably in a locked cabinet. Use only child-resistant lighters.
- Store flammable liquids properly and away from children.
- Protect your home from arson by keeping your property free of fuels, such as brush and rubbish.
- Never leave young children alone with an open flame.
- If you suspect your child is setting fires, get help immediately.
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