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Fire Prevention
REMEMBER
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY: DIAL 911
Kitchen Safety
Make sure someone is always in the kitchen whenever a stove is on. Why? A child or pet could knock something off or onto the stove and start a fire or get burned. Another point to consider regarding stoves is always turn your pot handles so they don't stick out over the edge. That way you'll be less likely to knock them off and small children will be less able to reach up and grab them. Always remember to keep flammable objects or materials away from the stove.
Grease Fires
If you are cooking and grease in a pan catches on fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, then turn off the burner. If that doesn't put the fire out use a multipurpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguisher to smother the flames.
Electric Cords
Look at the electric cords on the toaster, microwave, and other electrical appliances. If the cords are cracked or worn out, they should be replaced. And make sure you don't have three or four appliances plugged into one outlet.
Educate Your Children
Teach your children what "hot" means at an early age. Repeat the basic rules of fire safety to your children over and over and over again. Teach them to: 1) Stay away from the stove; 2) Not play with matches; 3) Keep back from open fires; and 4) Not fool with electricity.
You can do a lot to prevent a fire from starting in your kitchen, but if a fire strikes your home, get out of the house as quickly as possible and call the fire department from a neighbor's home. Don't go back inside the building, no matter what.
Smoke Detectors
The leading cause of fire-related deaths is smoke, not fire. If a fire begins to smolder while you are asleep, you can be overcome by smoke and fumes before you wake up. To prevent that from happening, install a smoke detection system. Smoke detectors respond to a fire more rapidly than any other fire detection device because they can sense smoke particles in even very small concentrations. A variety of detectors are available, so to ensure the quality of detector you buy, choose a model that is listed with the Underwriter's Laboratory (U.L.) or Factory Mutual Research Corp. (FM).
Smoke Detector Tips
Installation
Smoke detectors should be located throughout your home. The best protection is to have one in every room, in corridors and at the top of stairways. However, at a minimum place one in each bedroom corridor, at the top of each stairway and protecting normal exit routes.
Maintenance
You should check your smoke detector periodically to see if it is in working order. Check your batteries and change them at least once a year. One good way to remember when to check the batteries is when the time changes, twice a year.
Smoke Detector Programs
If you need a smoke detector for your house, you may go to any Polk County Fire station and they will give you a brand new smoke detector with a battery. This smoke detector program is for families who can not afford them. They also have a battery replacement program. For more information contact the Fire Marshall's Office @ (863) 534-0383.
Doors
Close bedroom doors at night to limit drafts and slow the spread of fire. Closed doors also keep out toxic gases and smoke which are more insidious than the fire itself. If you install a smoke detector in your home, locate it close enough to your bedroom door so you can hear the warning signal even when the door is closed.
Surviving A Fire In Your Home
Knowing what to do before a fire occurs can save your life. Develop an escape plan for your family today. The entire family should meet to develop a HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN, which should include the following:
· Draw a FLOOR PLAN and find TWO exits from each room. Windows serve as emergency exits.
· Designate a MEETING PLACE at a safe distance outside the home.
· PRACTICE getting out of the house through various exits.
· Install SMOKE DETECTORS wherever needed.
If A Fire Occurs and The Room Door Is Closed
1. GET out of bed to the floor. Keep LOW.
2. CRAWL to the door.
3. FEEL the door close to the handle. Use the back of your hand to be sure it is not hot.
4. BRACE yourself against the door and open it very slowly. Toxic gases or fire may be on the other side.
5. If it is safe to leave the room cover your mouth and nose and leave the house quickly.
6. Get BELOW the smoke and GET OUT by the quickest and safest route.
Fire Extinguishers
Do you have a fire extinguisher? If you don't own a fire extinguisher, buy one. It's worth the small investment. Be sure to get one that's listed or labeled by an independent testing laboratory. Where you place your fire extinguisher can make or break your fire evacuation plan and could save your life. The extinguisher must be within easy reach, close to an exit and away from potential fire hazards. You should probably have more than one extinguisher in your home. The kitchen, basement and garage are the most common choices, but be sure to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for each area.
Know What To Do
Before you decide to fight a fire, follow these three steps. . .
1. Call the fire department;
2. Make sure everyone has evacuated the building; and
3. Be certain the fire doesn't block your escape route.
If the fire has spread beyond its immediate area, do not attempt to fight it. By this time the fire is to large. Your extinguisher will only last 3 to 20 seconds and will only discharge 30 to 40 feet.
PASS Over Flames
If the fire is small and you have decided to stay and fight the fire, remember PASS.
Pull the pin.
Some extinguishers require releasing a lock, latch or pressing a puncture lever.
Aim low.
Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
This releases the extinguishing agent.
Sweep from side to side.
Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until it appears to be out. Watch the fire area. If fire breaks out again, repeat the process. If you are fighting a floor fire, sweep from the edge in. For wall fires, sweep from the bottom up.
REMEMBER TO STAY LOW, AWAY FROM THE HEAT AND SMOKE.
Keeping Up To Date
Maintenance and inspection of your fire extinguisher will assure that the extinguisher will perform when a fire occurs. A quick check should be done monthly to look for damage or tampering. A thorough examination should be done at least once each year.
Know the Different Types
A
For Combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, rubber, cardboard, and any plastics. Type A extinguishers are filled with water and will cool the fire. NEVER USE THIS TYPE ON A COOKING FIRE OR ELECTRICAL FIRE.
B
For flammable liquids such as gas, grease, oil, paint, tar and lacquer. these extinguishers are filled with carbon dioxide and will smother the fire.
C
For electrical wiring and equipment like fuse boxes, circuit breakers, appliances and audio/video equipment. These extinguishers are filled with a dry chemical and will smother the fire.
D
For combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, lithium and sodium. These extinguishers are filled with a liquefied gas that reacts chemically with the fire. If you do encounter a fire like this, be sure to let the firefighters know so they can handle it properly.
ABC
For Type A, B or C fires. The extinguisher is filled with a multipurpose dry chemical that will smother the fire. Type ABC extinguishers tend to be the most popular because of their multiple uses.
Before using any extinguisher ALWAYS follow the manufacturer's instructions on use and maintenance.
For more information about fire safety contact your local fire department.