Stop Fires Before They Start
Smoke Alarms:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
For maximum protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom. Test smoke
alarms monthly and for battery operated smoke alarms, change the batteries at
least once each year. If a "chirping" noise occurs, change the battery
immediately.
Special smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired.
Safety in the Kitchen:
Never leave cooking unattended and set a timer to remind you to turn off burners
and the oven. Wear tight fitting or rolled up sleeves while you cook. Always
cook with the pot handles turned in. Keep the stove surface free of clutter and
grease. If a grease fire occurs, use a pot holder or oven mitts and carefully
slide a lid or cookie sheet over the pan and turn off the burner. Never carry a
burning pan. Install and know how to use a portable fire extinguisher.
Smoker Alert:
Use large, deep, sturdy ashtrays. Thoroughly soak butts with water before
discarding. Never smoke in bed or while lying down. Be careful smoking while on
medication or drinking alcohol.
Space Heaters Need Space:
Keep at least one metre (three feet) between space heaters and everything else,
including people. Clothes can ignite simply by brushing against a space heater.
Stop, Drop, and Roll:
If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the floor and cover your
face with your hands, and ROLL over and over to put out the flames.
Cool a Burn:
Cool a burn for at least 10 - 15 minutes with cool water to relieve pain and
minimize the burn injury Never apply salve, ice, or butter to a burn. This
traps heat inside Seek medical attention if any burns char the skin, blister,
look white, or become infected.
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Plan Your Escape
Have Two Ways Out:
Know two ways out of every room in your home, especially the bedrooms. Smoke or
flames may block one of your exits. Make sure you have a designated meeting
place outside
Keep Exits in Good Repair:
Make sure you can unlock and open windows and any doors quickly, including those
with deadbolts and security bars. If you're escaping from a second story or
higher, plan a safe way to the ground.
Apartment Residents:
Count the number of doors between your apartment and the two nearest exits.
During a fire, you may not be able to see the numbers on the doors. Never use
the elevator. It could stop at the fire floor, or simply stop and trap you
inside. Always use the exit stairways and close any doors behind you
Check the Door:
Kneel or crouch behind the door, reach up and feel the door, knob and frame. If
the door feels cool, open it with caution. Put your shoulder against the door
and open it slowly. If safe, leave the building and go to your meeting place.
If you see smoke or flames, slam the door shut, stuff the crack under the door
with blankets or clothes and leave from your alternative exit.
Crawl Low Under the Smoke:
If you encounter smoke, craw low under the smoke where the air is cleaner.
Once Out, Stay Out:
Leave the building as soon as you can. Call 911 from a neighbour's home. Never
go back inside for anything.
If Escape is Impossible:
Close doors between you and the smoke. Stuff the cracks around doors with
sheets, towels, or clothing to keep the smoke out. If there's a phone in the
room, call 911 with your exact location in the building Stay low and signal for
help by waving a bright towel, sheet, or shine a flashlight from your window.
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