pstrongThis week is fire prevention week.nbsp Here are some tips to help you make your family safe and help out in case of a fire emergency.nbsp strongppstrongStep 1. Prepare and Plan AheadstrongbrMake home fire safety the whole familys responsibility. Work together from the oldest to the youngest to come up with an emergency escape plan in case of a fire or other emergency.ppTry to include at least two ways to escape from each room in your home this is not always feasible depending on your home. Map out your fire plan on paper and be sure it includes emergency phone numbers. Post a copy in each bedroom. Try to review the plan with the whole family once a month.ppRetractable ladders are a necessity for bedrooms on the second floor or higher. Everyone in your family needs to know how to climb out a window and down a ladder in case of an emergency. Be sure to show everyone how to crawl under smoke to escape during a fire and how to cover their mouths and noses with shirts or towels to keep from breathing in smoke. Designate one family member to assist younger children elderly relatives or pets during an emergency.ppDecide on a meeting spot that is outside and away from the house. All family members living in your home should know the fire plan including where to gather once they have evacuated the house.pp–BeginNoIndex–img width157 height120 classleftAlign altcheck smoke and carbon monoxide detectors srchttpwww.startrightstarthere.comimagesprojectimagesprojectrepairoctober11beg4.gif–EndNoIndex–ppBe sure all children know what smoke and fire alarms sound like so they can recognize them during a fire. Teach your children the Stop Drop and Roll technique for putting out a fire on their clothes or in their hair.pp–BeginNoIndex–img width157 height120 classleftAlign althome fire extinguisher srchttpwww.startrightstarthere.comimagesprojectimagesprojectrepairoctober11beg1.gif–EndNoIndex–ppKeep fire extinguishers in the kitchen garage and basement and go over how to use them with your family. To operate a fire extinguisher just remember P.A.S.S. Pull the pin Aim the nozzle Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side-to-side as it sprays to extinguish the flames. Recharge all extinguishers after any test.ppstrongStep 2. Install SmokeCarbon Monoxide DetectorsstrongbrInstall working smoke and carbon monoxide CO detectors in your home. This is probably the most important part of any home fire safety plan as these devices are your first defense against a fire. Once theyre installed remember to check the batteries twice a year and replace them as needed.ppspan classtipclearstrongHelpful TipsstrongspanpulliConsider using alarms powered by lithium batteries. These batteries can last up to 10 years. After 10 years its also time to replace your smoke alarm. liliAn easy way to remember to check detector batteries is to test them when daylight savings time starts and ends. liulpDo a home walk-through. Look for places where you might have inadequate detector coverage. Be sure that you mount the devices inside bedrooms or in adjacent hallways. Smoke detectors should be installed high on the wall preferably on the ceiling because smoke always rises.ppIf attaching an alarm to a wall mount it 6 or 12 from the ceiling. For a ceiling-mount install the alarm about 4 from the wall.ppimg width157 height120 classleftAlign altKiddie smoke detector srchttpwww.startrightstarthere.comimagesprojectimagesprojectrepairoctober11beg2.gifimg width157 height120 classleftAlign altsmoke detector battery replacement srchttpwww.startrightstarthere.comimagesprojectimagesprojectrepairoctober11beg3.gifppEach device is different so follow the manufacturers directions when mounting a smokecarbon monoxide detector. However most battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are easy to install using a power drill a screwdriver and a ladder. Measure the distance between the screw holes on the detector and then place the detector where you want to install it. Using a pencil make a small mark on the wall on the outside edge of the detector as a guide and then mark where the screw holes will be. Drill holes in the ceiling where youve marked and then mount the smoke detector using a screwdriver.ppspan classtipstrongemSafety Alertemstrongspanpul classimgpush liDont install smoke detectors near windows or outside doors. If there is a fire smoke might slip outside through one of these openings and not set off the alarm which can be dangerous. liulpspan classtipstrongHelpful Tipstrongspanpul classimgpush liDont install smoke detectors in kitchens bathrooms or living rooms. Steam from cooking or hot showers as well as smoke from fireplaces and candles can set off alarms unnecessarily. liulpCarbon monoxide detectors that are not a combination smoke alarm unit should be installed lower to the floor because carbon monoxide is heavier than air. Many are plug-in units and can be plugged into any wall socket. If you want to install smokecarbon monoxide detectors that are hard-wired to your electrical system consult a certified electrician or have it professionally mounted.ppstrongStep 3. Practice Fireplace SafetystrongbrA fireplace is a fantastic feature and a cozy way to warm up a room but its important to have your fireplace inspected and cleaned annually. Make sure yours is properly vented to the outside and inspect it for any leaks in the exhaust pipe. Clean your chimney regularly with chimney rods and brushes designed for chimney sweeping or hire a professional.ppDont burn anything in the fireplace other than natural wood and never leave a fire unattended under any circumstances. Be sure your children understand fireplace safety and monitor them and your pets at all times when they are around a burning fireplace.ppstrongStep 4. Practice Electrical SafetystrongbrNever use electrical appliances near water or close to faucets or water pipes. Do not use any electrical appliances including hair dryers and stereos while bathing or washing dishes. If an appliance falls into water make sure it is unplugged before you retrieve it.ppCheck all of your appliances for worn plugs or cracked wires. Do not attempt to make your own repairs unless you are an expert. Electrical repairs are best left to the professionals. Unplug appliances when they are not in use.ppMake sure youre not using oversized fuses or circuit breakers anywhere in your house doing so will not allow the circuit to hold more or enhance the performance of appliances. In fact this may actually cause overheating and lowered efficiency.ppTake care of cords and electrical sockets. Always remove extension cords by the plug not by tugging on the cord. Never break the ground prong of a three-prong plug to make it fit into a two-prong outlet. Instead use an adapter. Cover any unused outlets to keep your family safe.ppGreat work You and your family are better prepared and more knowledgeable about fire prevention.p
