FIRE SAFETY TIPS
BURN SURVIVORS and so many NON-BURN SURVIVORS realize
1. HAVE SMOKE DETECTORS INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED:
Smoke detectors need to be installed on each level of your home. Each Bedroom and in the Basement by the stairway. All smoke detectors need to be tested each month. If they are battery operated the batteries need to be replaced every six months. Do not use the batteries that are removed in other appliances. If your smoke detector is electrically operated there must be a backup system. In case of an electrical fire, certain precautions must be prepared. Do not touch or go near the electrical wire(s) and the electricity should be turned off. Even the backup in the home and apartment building needs to have turn off switches and automatic cut offs under such a situation for safety reasons.
2. PLANNING and PRACTICING YOUR ESCAPE IS IMPORTANT:
When a fire happens in your home or apartment building, time is very significant. People do not always have time to think about their escape route. The members of the home should prepare a drawing that shows the exits. If possibly plan two ways out of every room. When outside the home or apartment building, there should be a meeting place.
For people who live in multi-story apartment buildings, practice using the stairs,. Remember you might get trapped in an elevator. Fire ladders are good to have incase you need to escape through the windows. This does depend on the situation and how high you are from the ground.
3. BEWARE OF SMOKERS:
A High Percentage of Home Fires, Injuries and Deaths are started each year due to the CARELESSNESS OF SMOKERS AND THE UNSAFE WAY CIGARETTES ARE PRODUCED. For safety reasons smokers need to use large ashtrays. Also putting water on the cigarettes in the ashtray and prior to putting them in the trash as a secondary precaution is another safety tip. Finally NEVER SMOKE IN BED.
4. KIDS, LIGHTERS and MATCHES CAN BE DEADLY:
It is suggested that our children do not have contact with lighters and matches for safety reasons. Children do play with things as if they are just toys. You need to place all lighters and matches in high places. Putting them in locked cabinets is very safe as long as the children cannot get the key. They must be taught that these items are not safe and are not toys. They are tools. Finally, children should be taught that it is ok to let an adult know that other children have lighters or matches, because they are possibly saving other peoples lives.
5. HEATERS NEED SPACE FROM OBJECTS, PEOPLE and ANIMALS:
Space heaters need to be at least three feet away from anything that can be put on fire. Examples are of course people, furniture, beds, couches, clothing and curtains. Do not get close to or refuel heaters while they are still hot. It is not suggested to leave home or go to bed while heaters are still on.
6. BE CAUTIOUS WHEN YOU COOK:
Children need to understand that they should be out of the way when people are cooking. Pot handles should be towards the back of the stove. Carefully put a lid over the fire in a pan or pot and turn off the heat or gas. Do not move the pan or pot. Make sure your clothing does not have loose sleeves when you cook.
7. ELECTRICITY NEEDS TO BE USED SAFELY:
Always replace damaged cords. Unplug and repair all appliances that smell like they are burning. Do not overload electrical outlets. Finally, do not put electrical cords under rugs.
8. A FIRE CRAWL UNDER THE SMOKE:
In a smoke filled area, get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest exit. If you are in an apartment and not on the first floor, as stated in Tip Number Two, try to get to the stairway. If you can cover your face. This will help you to not inhale as much or any smoke. Check the area for smoke fire and if the ground is hot before crawling.
9. IF YOU ARE ON FIRE: STOP, GET DOWN AND ROLL:
Do not run if you are on fire, except to get out of the fire. Then stop, get to the floor and roll until the fire is out. If you or others can use cool water that will definitely help. Depending on what the situation is, cover your face with your hands. This will usually protect your face and lungs.
10. USE COOL WATER TO COOL DOWN THE BURN:
If you become BURNED, put cool water on the area(s) for ten-fifteen minutes, as soon as you have gotten to a safe place. If the area you are at does not have the availability of cool water then stay as relaxed as possible and wait for the paramedics. Putting cool water on the BURNED AREAS will help minimize the Burn and also help control the spreading of the heat to other areas. It also eases the pain. Do not use salves, oils or ice on the Burn. That will only trap the heat and cause the Burn to spread and also get worse. It can also cause an infection. COVER THE BURNED AREA WITH A STERILE GAUSE PAD OR A CLEAN SHEET IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN BODY TEMPERATURE. GET TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL ASAP. EITHER ON YOUR OWN, WITH HELP FROM FRIENDS OR THE PARAMETICS.