Fire Safety and why you should care !!!

10/11/2016 (Permalink)

Having an escape plan for when a fire breaks out is important. Being prepared will make all the difference

According to statistical data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2012 an estimated 1,375,500 fires were responded to in the United States. These blazes caused 2,855 deaths and 16,500 civilian injuries while costing more than $12.4 billion in damage.

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.
2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn
3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed
4. Keep Matched and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock
5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.
6. Be careful when using candles- Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
7. Have a fire escape plan-Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
8. Install smoke alarms- Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they will all sound at once
9. Test smoke alarms- Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year as needed.
10. Install sprinklers- Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance at saving your property.

Fire escape planning tips

Below you will find several tips that could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one should a fire break out in your home

1. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home
2. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least ones a year.
3. Consider installing a 10 year lithium battery powered smoke alarm
4. Practice finding your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
5. Remember escape first, then notify the fire department.
6. **Tips courtesy of www.usfa.dhs.gov**

What to do until help arrives.

Do:

1. Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
2. Place clean towels or old linens in rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery
3. Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil
4. Place Aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

Do Not:

1. Wash any walls or painted surfaces.
2. Shampoo carpet or upholstery
3. Clean any electrical equipment.
4. Send Clothing to dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.