Fire Safety

Fires don't just happen.

There are a lot of measures you can take to help ensure that a fire doesn't start.  Here are a few important things you can do:

-         Install a smoke detector on every level of your home and in the garage. Check it monthly and replace the batteries every six months.

-         Have all heating units (furnaces and wood stoves and fireplaces), checked by an expert annually.

-         Keep matches and lighters out of reach and away from children.

-         Never smoke in bed.

-         Be aware of the dangers from smoking in overstuffed furniture.

In an Emergency

Dial 9-1-1

No house can be 100% fire proof.

Fire officials emphasize there are some basic things you should do to prepare for a fire:

P       Determine at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.

P       Purchase an approved chain ladder to use to climb out of rooms above the first floor, and practice using it.

P       Select a location where everyone could meet after escaping the house.

P       Discuss what you would do about family pets in the event of a fire.

P       Know how to call for emergency assistance.

When a fire strikes…

o        Crawl low under the smoke to escape. This should be practiced beforehand to prepare you for an actual fire.

o        Close the door when you exit a room, and feel closed doors before you enter a room.  A hot door or doorknob usually means the room is on fire.

o        If your cloths are on fire, drop to the floor and roll to smother and put out the flames.

o        Get everyone out quickly, and then call for emergency assistance.

o        Know how to give accurate directions to your house when you call for assistance.

Everyone Goes Home