10 TIPS FOR

HOME FIRE SAFETY!

1. INSTALL & MAINTAIN SMOKE DETECTORS

Smoke detectors warn you of a fire in time for you to escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test them every month, following the manufacturer's directions. Replace the batteries twice a year - a good way to remember this is when we change our clocks twice a year in the Spring and Fall -  "CHANGE YOUR CLOCK CHANGE YOUR BATTERY". You should change the battery whenever a detector chirps to signal that its battery is low. Don't ever borrow detector batteries for other uses - a disabled smoke detector can't save your your life!

2. PLAN AND PRACTICE TO ESCAPE - KNOW TWO WAYS OUT

If fire breaks out in your home you have to move fast! With your family, plan two ways out of every room. Fire escape routes must not include elevators, which might take you right to the fire. Choose a meeting place outside where everyone will gather. Once you are, stay out! Never go back in! At least twice a year, have the whole family practice the escape plan.

3. SMOKERS NEED WATCHERS

Carelessly discarded cigarette, cigars and pipes are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers and put water on butts before discarding them. Before going to bed or leaving home, check under and around sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes, cigars or pipes.

4. BE CAREFUL WHILE COOKING

Never leave cooking unattended. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so the pots can't be knocked or pulled over. If grease cathes fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, then turn off the burner. Never put foil or other metals in a microwave oven.

5. SPACE HEATERS NEED SPACE

Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn - cloths, furniture, drapes and newspapers. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed and keep children and pets away from them at all times.

6. MATCHES AND LIGHTERS ARE TOOLS NOT TOYS

In the hands of a child, matches and lighters are deadly. Use child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach your children from the start that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys for kids. If children find matches or lighters, they should tell an adult immediately.

7. COOL A BURN

If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, seel medical attention immediately.

8. USE ELECTRICITY SAFELY

If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Don't overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Don't tamper with the fuse box or circuit breaker panel.

9. CRAWL LOW UNDER SMOKE

Smoke is dangerous! If you encounter smoke, use an alternate escape route. If you must exit through smoke, the cleanest air is 12 to 24 inches above the floor. Crawl on your hands and knees to the nearest safe exit.

10. STOP, DROP AND ROLL

Everyone should know this rule: If your clothes catch fire, don't run! Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs and roll over and over to smother the flames.