1. Install Smoke Detectors
· Working smoke alarms cut your risk of death or injury by a fire by half.
· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. For maximum protection, consider installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
· Test smoke alarms monthly and for battery operated smoke alarms, changed the battery at least once a year or sooner if a "chirping" noise occurs.
· Special smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired.
· Never use a smoke alarm battery for another purpose - a disabled alarm can't save your life. Replace alarms that are more than 10 years old.
· Plan your escape with your family.
· If a fire breaks out in your home, seconds count.
· Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room. (If you live in an apartment - Do not use the elevator).
· Choose a meeting place outside where everyone will go once they have left the building.
· Practice your escape plan with your family at least twice a year.
3. Watch Out For Smokers
· Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays and thoroughly soak butts with water before discarding.
· If you have smokers in your home, regularly check under and around upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
· Never smoke in bed or while under the influence of alcohol or medications.
4. Give Space Heaters Space
· Keep three feet between space heaters and everything else, including youe self!
· Clothes can ignite simply by brushing against a space heater
· Keep children and pets away from space heaters and always turn them off before leaving home or going to bed.
5. Safety In The Kitchen
· Never leave cooking unattended and set a timer to remind you to turn off burners and the oven.
· Wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves while you cook.
· Keep the stove surface free clutter and grease.
· If a grease fire occurs use a pot holder or oven mitts and carefully slide a lid or a cookie sheet over the pan and turn off the burner.
· Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them and children can't reach them.
· Keep children at least one meter (three feet) away from the stove.
6. Matches & Lighter Safety
· Store matches and lighters above the reach of children.
· Use only child resistant lighters.
· Teach young children that matches and lighters are tools to be used by adults only or with adult supervision.
· Teach children to tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters; older children should bring matches and lighters to an adult immediately.
7. Electricity Safely
· If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, and have it serviced.
· Replace and electrical cord that is frayed or cracked.
· Extension cords are for temporary use only. Don't overload them or run them under rugs.
· Don't tamper with your fuse box or use improperly sized fuses.
8. Crawl Low Under Smoke
· During a fire, the air is cleaner near the floor. If you are unable to use your escape route due to smoke or fire, try your alternative exit. If you are forced to escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, staying below the smoke where the air is easier to breathe.
9. Stop, Drop, Cover your face, & Roll
· Although the previous steps are designed to prevent your clothes catching fire, if they do never run! Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
· Run cool water over a burn for 10-15 minutes. Never apply ice or butter to a burn as it may seal in the heat and can damage the tissue further. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
