Fire Safety
Smoke Alarms
Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home. If you live in the DuLarge area and you need a smoke detecor contact DuLarge Fire Dept.
Have a Sound Fire Escape Plan
In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.
Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) listed collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Fire Extinguisher Safety
When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by extinguishing a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.
Although fire extinguishers are not always sufficient since they are not designed to fight a spreading fire, fire extinguishers can be useful under certain conditions. Fire extinguishers are rated according to the types of fire they are designed to fight:
Type A ordinary combustibles (such as wood, paper, or cloth)
Type B flammable liquids (such as gasoline, oil, paint and lacquer thinner)
Type C energized electrical equipment (such as fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.
There are multi-purpose extinguishers which can be used on type B and C fires, or types A, B, and C fires. Follow these tips to ensure safety when operating a fire extinguisher:
The extinguisher must large enough to extinguish the fire.
Most portable extinguishers completely discharge in as few as eight seconds.
The extinguisher must be within easy reach, fully charged and in working order.
You must know how to operate the extinguisher. Read the instructions when you purchase the extinguisher. You will not have any time during the fire to read the directions.
Be sure you are strong enough to lift and operate the extinguisher.
Your back should be to a safe unobstructed exit to which the fire will not spread.
If you can not fight the fire or the extinguisher does not extinguish the fire, leave the area and call the fire department.
The use of the wrong type of extinguisher can intensify the fire.
If you decide to fight the fire, remember the word PASS:
Pull the pin
Aim Low: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from side to side across the fire area
Always have an exit plan.
● Give Space Heaters their space- Keep them at least 3 feet away from combustibles-walls, sofas
and anything else that will burn.
● Space heaters should always be placed on the floor.
● Never leave children alone in a room with a space heater and do not let children adjust the controls or move
the heater.
● Open-faced heaters should have a proper screen and grates in place-never operate a defective heater.
● Provide adequate ventilation, opening a window slightly (one inch) to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
● Never overload outlets or breakers.
● Don't hide cords under rugs or carpets. Placing anything on top of the cord could cause it to overheat
and can cause a fire.
● Don't use an extension cord with the heater. if the cord is hot to the touch, turn off the heater and unplug it!
● Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly.
Lint and dust will burn!
● Have your heating system professionally inspected and serviced every year.
● Purchase a Carbon Monoxide detector if you use gas or a fireplace for your heating.
● Install a Carbon Monoxide dectector in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.
● If you use a gas space heater, light the match before you turn on the gas. This avoids the risk of
flashback caused by accumulating gas.
