SMOKE DETECTORS

• Install smoke detectors on every level, near bedrooms, in the garage and away from air vents.

• Test the batteries monthly and replace them at least once a year.

PORTABLE HEATERS

• Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, furniture and anything else that could get hot and catch fire away from portable heaters.

• Plug heaters directly into the wall socket and unplug them when they are not in use.

SAFE COOKING PRACTICE

• Keep items away from the stove that could catch fire, such as towels, clothing and curtains.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and know when and how to use it.

ELECTRICITY

• Use safety plugs in electrical outlets, especially if you have small children.

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and running cords under carpet and furniture.

SAFE SMOKING HABITS

• Never smoke in bed.

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.

FIRE ESCAPE DRILLS

• Plan and practice a fire escape route from every room.

• Use a chain ladder to escape from upper levels and practice using it.

• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

• Identify a place outside to meet in case of a fire.

• Know how to call for emergency assistance.

USING YOUR ESCAPE PLAN

• Crawl low, under the smoke, and keep your mouth covered.

• Feel closed doors with the back of your hand. If hot, use another exit. If not hot, open the door slowly and check for smoke and fire.

• Meet at the designated meeting place outside, then call for help. Never return to a burning building.

Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes.

Test windows and doors—do they open easy enough? Are they wide enough. Or tall enough?

Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.

Practice alerting other members. It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom.

Conduct a family meeting and discuss the following topics: 
Always sleep with the bedroom doors closed. This will keep deadly heat and smoke out of bedrooms, giving you additional time to escape.

Find a way for everyone to sound a family alarm. Yelling, pounding on walls, whistles, etc. Practice yelling "FIRE!"

In a fire, time is critical. Don't waste time getting dressed, don't search for pets or valuables. Just get out!

Roll out of bed. Stay low. One breath of smoke or gases may be enough to kill.

Install smoke detectors
Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering and burning fires. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every level of a structure. Purchase smoke detectors labeled by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

Post emergency numbers near telephones.
Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home.

After a fire emergency
Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured victims should be transported to professional medical help immediately. Stay out of the damaged building. Return only when fire authorities say it is safe.

Space Heaters Need Space
Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them.

Smokers Need To Be Extra Careful
Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.

Be Careful Cooking
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 they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.

Matches and Lighters are Dangerous
In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly! Store them where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked area. Teach children that matches and lighters are "tools" and should only be used by adults.

Use Electricity Safely
If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don't overload extension cords. They should not be run under rugs. Never tamper with the fuse box or use the improper size fuse.

Cool a Burn
If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately!

Be Careful of Halogen Lights
If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas. Never leave them on when you leave your home or office.

These links will take you to informational pages on Fire Prevention Awareness and product recalls.  Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke detector at Daylight Savings Time and check them once a week.  Get involved with your kids in planning your fire escape route from your home.  Also, help to educate your children on the dangers of fire and other hazards in and around your home.  Thank you for being a part of Remsen Fire Department's Fire Prevention Awareness!!