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FIRE SAFETY TIPS
Smoke Detectors
Smoke is responsible for three out of four
deaths.
- Install smoke detectors on every level of
your home and outside of sleeping areas.
- Test every detector at least once a month.
(See your instruction book for the location of the test button.)
- Keep smoke detectors dust free. Replace
batteries with new ones at least once a year, or sooner if the detector
makes a chirping sound. A great time to change the batteries, and
one that is easy to remember, is when you reset your clocks for Daylight
Saving Time.
- If you have a smoke detector directly
wired into your electrical system, be sure that the little signal light is
blinking periodically. This tells you that the alarm is active.
- Inexpensive smoke detectors are available
for the hearing impaired.
Fire Extinguishers
They remain your best bet if
you're on the spot when a fire begins.
- Fire extinguishers should be mounted in
the kitchen, garage, and workshop.
- Purchase an ABC type extinguisher for
extinguishing all types of fires.
- Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
before there is an emergency.
- Remember, use an extinguisher on small
fires only. If there is a large fire, get out immediately and call 911
from another location.
Fire Escape Plans
As with other things, the best
motto is, "Be Prepared."
- Prepare a floor plan of your home showing
at least two ways out of each room.
- Sleep with your bedroom door closed. In
the event of fire, it helps to hold back heat and smoke. But if a door
feels hot, do not open it; escape through another door or window.
- Easy-to-use window escape ladders are
available through many catalogs and outlet stores. For instance, First
Alert sells one for around $90.
- Agree on a fixed location out-of-doors
where family members are to gather for a head count.
- Stay together away from the fire. Call 911
from another location. Make certain that no one goes back inside the
burning building.
- Check corridors and stairways to make sure
they are free of obstructions and combustibles.
- To help cut down on the need for an
emergency exit in the first place, clear all unnecessary items from the
attic, basement, garage, and closets.
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