Safety Tips
Defeat The Heat

Fire Prevention & Safety

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are your front-line defense in protecting you and your family from being injured in a fire.

·   Replace your batteries twice a year. Replace your batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and the fall.

·   Replace smoke detectors that are more than 10 years old. Smoke detectors lose their effectiveness overtime or may fail with age.

·   Frequently test your smoke detectors. Artificial Smoke is available from some hardware and security stores.

·   Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including basement and attic. It is recommended to also put smoke detectors in each bedroom and your utility room also.

Have an escape plan

In the event of a fire, you will want to be prepared to get out of your home in the safest, quickest manor.

·     Make a floor plan of your home, marking two paths of escape for each room and arrange a meeting place.

·     Practice your escape routes at least once a year.

·     In the event you have a fire, remember that smoke and heat rise, so you want to crawl on the floor during your escape. Practice crawling while practicing your escape route.

Fire Extinguishers

Having Fire Extinguishers available and knowing how to use them can save lives and property.

·    Keep your fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location away from potential risk areas. A stove is an example of a risk area, so keep your fire extinguisher at the other end of your kitchen for example.

·    Keep Fire Extinguishers away from children. Only able adults should operate a fire extinguisher.

·    Use the correct type of fire extinguisher. Have an extinguisher that is big enough to be effective, but make sure it is   not too big to handle.

·   Use the correct type of fire extinguisher.  Have an extinguisher that is big enough to be effective, but make sure it is not too big for those in your home to handle.

·   Inspect and maintain your extinguisher every year, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

·   Recharge or replace your extinguisher after use, regardless of how little you think you used.

·   Learn the various extinguisher ratings, and be sure to use the proper type.

·     Contact your fire department, by dialing 911, to inspect your home after an incident, even if you have extinguished any type of fire.

Other Prevention Tips

·    Do not smoke in bed or if your drowsy. Use large, difficult to tip ashtrays in the smoking areas of your home.

·    Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Teach your children to tell you or another adult if they find matches or lighters.