A Really Good Fire Safety List - Mary Beth Murray

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Following is one of the better fire safety lists that we have found on the Internet. Prepared by the U.S. Fire Administration, it succinctly captures the essence of basic fire safety and that can be easily posted around the house as a reminder to everyone. Put it on your refrigerator and in other places where everyone, especially the kids, can see and get familiar with it. SMOKE ALARMS • Have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and outside bedrooms. • Test alarms monthly and change batteries at least twice every year. • Consider buying a lithium battery powered smoke alarm, which may last up to ten years with no battery change. • Install smoke alarms away from air vents. • Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall at least 4 inches from corners. • When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling. • Never disable an alarm or remove its batteries. ESCAPE PLANNING • Develop a fire escape plan with your household and practice it often. • Know two ways to exit from every room in your home. • Make sure safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home. • Crawl low under smoke. • Feel closed doors with the back of your hand. If hot, use another exit. • Identify a place to meet household members outside. • Never re-enter a burning building. • Escape first and then call for emergency assistance. FIRE SAFETY WALK THROUGH • Keep clothes, blankets, curtains and other combustibles at least three feet from space heaters. • Place space heaters where they will not tip over easily. • Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. • Clear the area around the hearth of debris, flammables and decorative materials. • Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire. • Keep clothes, towels and other combustibles away from stove burners. • Never leave cooking unattended. • Be sure your stove and small appliances are off before going to bed. • Check for frayed wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture. • Never overload electrical sockets. • Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children. • Never leave cigarettes unattended; use heavy, deep ash trays. • Never smoke in bed or while tired or drowsy. With the kids back in school and learning now front and center, it’s the perfect time to teach these simple steps. Remember, the great majority of fires and associated property damage, injuries and deaths are preventable. Familiarity with and adherence to these simple recommendations and the diligent use of common sense will preclude needless tragedy. Mary Beth Murray is a firefighter with the BBVFC, where she has been a member since 1993. She is an expert in fire safety education and was the Company’s 2006 Firefighter of the Year. Mary Beth lives in Bethany Beach with her husband, Steve, and their two daughters and can be reached at [email protected].