Holiday Fire Safety
Safety Tips for Installing Your Smoke Detectors and Keeping Them Working Properly:
The first step in escaping a fire in your home is to plan ahead. You can do this by installing smoke detectors in your home and testing them at least once a month. You can do this by using the "test button" on the alarm. Never test the alarm by using an open flame, this could result in you being burned or starting a fire. A smoke detector will alert members of your family to the presence of smoke or fire before it is too late.
- The number of detectors you need depends upon the size of your home. A smoke detector should be placed outside each sleeping area (for new homes it may be required to install smoke detectors inside each bedroom) and on every level of existing homes, including the basement and mechanical areas. On floors without bedrooms, install detectors in or near living areas, such as dens and living rooms. Detectors in dining rooms, utility rooms and hallways will provide added protection.
- There should be a smoke alarm in every bedroom or near every sleeping area.
- Mount the smoke alarms high on ceilings or walls. If you are installing ceiling mounted alarms, the alarm should be at least four inches away from the nearest wall. Wall mounted alarms should be installed four to twelve inches away from the ceiling.
- Do not install smoke alarms near windows, ducts or outside doors where drafts might interfere with their operation.
- Do not paint or decorate your smoke detector, which may interfere with its operation.
- The batteries in your smoke detector should be replaced once a year. In addition, the battery should be replaced as soon as the alarm "chirps". This is a warning that that battery is low. If the detector does not respond to the recommended test procedure (usually by pressing the "test button"), change the battery. If it still does not perform then replace it.
- Both battery-operated and electric smoke detectors become less effective with age. It is recommended that every ten years the smoke detector be replaced.
- Regular vacuuming or dusting of the alarm can help keep it working properly.
- Never borrow a battery from a smoke detector.
- Make sure that everyone in your home knows what the smoke detector alarm sound and knows what do in case it should sound.
- If you have questions about the best places to install detectors, contact your local fire department for advice. Many departments will conduct home smoke detector inspections for free.
If you live in an apartment, check to make sure that your unit has a smoke detector. Follow the steps above to insure that the detector is in good working order. If your apartment does not have, smoke detectors then speak to your landlord about installing one. Also, familiarize your family with the building layout, so that you know where the fire alarms pull stations are located throughout the building and know where exit routes such as stairs are located. In case of fire use the stairs, never the elevator.
Fire Escape Plans for Your Home:
Each family member should know what to do in the event of a fire in the home. Unless a small fire can be easily controlled, it is recommended that fighting the fire be left to the professional firefighters.
By developing and practicing your home's fire escape plan could mean the difference between life and death. Everyone in your household should understand and practice the escape plans. The escape plan should be practice at least twice a year. If you have elderly members or small children/infants in your family, assign someone in the household to assist them in exiting the home.
Household members need to react quickly when the smoke detector sounds in the home because fire and smoke can spread quickly through your home. The smoke may cause family members to be unable to see very well, become dizzy or disoriented. In the confusion, a family member could become lost or trapped in the home. If you have practiced escape plans, it may reduce the chances of panic and injury. Informed family members have a much better chance to survive a fire in the home.
- Begin your fire escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your home. Each room should have two escape exits: the normal exit and the other exit such as a window.
- Make sure that each household member understands the escape plan.
- Check all windows and doors to make sure that they can be easily opened. Repair any window that is jammed. Have family members practice opening their windows to become familiar with their operation.
- Decide on a meeting place outside of the home where all family members will gather after exiting the home. This prevents family members from wandering around or reentering the house to look for each other.
- When choosing the meeting place, choose a spot that is enough distance away from the house such as a neighbor¡Ã˙s front yard, the mailbox or a large tree in the yard. The meeting place should be a stationary place and not an item that can be moved such as a car.
- Call for help after you have left your home. Family members should dial 911 on a cellular phone or by using a neighbor's telephone. Never go back inside your home for any reason until the fire department gives you the O.K.
Clothes Dryer Safety:
The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires was lack of maintenance followed by mechanical/part failure.
- Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Before each use, the lint filter should be cleaned.
- Turn the dryer off when you are leaving your home.
- The dryer should be plugged into a suitable electrical outlet as overloaded outlets can result in blown fused or tripped circuits breakers.
- Keep your dryer area clear of combustibles.
Decorating Your Holiday Tree:
For many families, decorating the holiday tree is a favorite part of the season, but a real tree can pose some fire safety hazards.