Fire Prevention

When a member of your community is killed in a house fire, it is very important to let others know how

they can prevent a similar tragedy. The U.S. Fire Administration

Says many fire deaths and injuries are preventable.

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 20,000 are injured. Many of

them might be alive today if only they had the information they needed to avoid a disaster.

The following life-saving tips could make a big difference.

 

Smoke Alarms

 

Smoke Alarms Life-Saving Tips

 Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside bedrooms. If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a

smoke alarm in each bedroom.

 Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.

 Change the batteries in your alarms at least once a year – perhaps

when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

 Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do

– leave the building immediately by crawling low under the smoke

– when they hear it sound.

 If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Turn on the

range fan, open a window, or wave a towel near the alarm.

 Do not remove the batteries to put in other appliances such as personal

stereos or games.

 Smoke alarms wear out over time. Replace yours if it is 10 years

old or more.

 Keep smoke alarms clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their

operation. Vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.

 Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm,

which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.

 Hard-wired smoke alarms with battery back-ups need to be tested

monthly and batteries replaced yearly.