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Fire &
Life Safety
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SPRING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
Yard and Garage Fire Safety
Make sure yards are cleared of leaves, debris and combustible rubbish
Check to see if surrounding properties that are vacant are cleared of weeds, dry leaves and rubbish.
Make sure mulch is at least a foot away from the house with a non-combustible barrier in between, such as a rock.
Make sure gasoline for use in a power mower or outboard motor is stored in a strong, metal safety-type can with self-closing caps on the openings.
Make sure garages attached to the house are separated by a tight-fitting door which is kept closed.
Housekeeping Fire Safety
Make sure basements, closets, and attics are cleared of old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other combustible odds and ends.
Check to see that oily polishing rags or waste are placed in covered metal containers.
Make sure paint and varnish are stored in tightly covered containers away from sources of heat.
Put matches out of reach of children.
Install child safety latches on all drawers and cabinets containing harmful products.
Make sure all cleaning products are kept in their original containers with the original labels.
Fire Safety At Public Gatherings
Check to see that the building appears to be in a condition that looks safe and has a wide main entrance that opens outward to allow easy exit.
Make sure outside areas are free of debris and exits are not blocked.
Make sure a communication plan has been developed where a relative or friend has been identified as a contact in case of emergency or the group is seperated.
Have a meeting place established outside the building to meet family and friends who are attending the function. Make sure everyone knows to meet ther in case of emergency.
After entering the building look for at least two clearly lit exits.
Make sure exit paths are wide and not obstructed by furniture. Blocked exits and exit paths are reported to the management.
Make sure heat sources such as candles burning, cigarettes or cigars burning, pyrotechnics are controlled and safety systems, like alternative exits, sprinklers and smoke alarms are in use.
In case of emergency all members of the group immediately exit the building in an orderly fashion.
Make sure no one goes back into the building for any reason until it is deemed safe by the emergency personnel.
Kitchen Fire Safety
Make sure a "safety area" is established in the kitchen to keep small children confined and away from hot surfaces, hot liquids and flames.
Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves during cooking as loose sleeves could catch fire easily.
Allow appliances to cool before putting them away and never wrap cords around warm appliances.
Use only a thermostatically controlled electric deep fryer when deep fat frying.
Keep a tight-fitting lid nearby to cover a pot if oil ignites.
Do not leave food unattended while it is on the stove cooking.
Make sure all paper and cloth materials are kept away from heat sources.
Make sure pot handles are turned inward to prevent them from getting bumped or grabbed.
Never hold children while cooking.
Make sure exhaust filters are checked for dirt and grease build-up and clean them regularly.
Make sure microwave safe dishes are always used in the microwave and metal is never used.
Check to make sure outlets and cords are safe.
Be sure to clean grease and food off the stove after every use.
Smoke Alarms
Make sure smoke alarms are checked and cleaned monthly.
Make sure smoke alarm batteries are changed at least every six months.
Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside all bedrooms.
Make sure smoke alarm batteries are never removed without being replaced- under any circumstances.
FIRE SAFETY FACTS
Each year, more than 4,500 Americans die and more than 30,000 are injured in fires. Many of those deaths and injuries could have been prevented if people had a better understanding of fire,USFA officials say. USFA's Fact Sheet on the Nature of Fire includes lots of valuable information, including:
Fire is fast!In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It takes only minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house.
Fire is hot!A fire's heat alone can kill. Room tempertures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs.
Fire is dark!Fire starts bright, but quickly produces smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire, you may be blinded, disoriented, and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.
Fire is deadly!Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS FROM USFA
In the event of a fire, remember that:
1-Time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!Escape first!
2-Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it frequently.
3-In your fire escape plan, designate a meeting place outside.
4-Make sure everyone in your family knows two ways to escape from every room.
5-Practice feeling your way out with your your eyes closed.
6-Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
7-Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.
8-Finally, having a working smoke detector dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
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Riceville Volunteer Fire Dept is starting
a
New Puppet Program
to educate children in
Fire Prevention and Safety!
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For any questions, contact
Riceville Fire at (828)298-2456 or email fire&life@ricevillefire.com
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