Fire Extinguishers

The use of a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life and property saving tool.

Should I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Consider the following three questions before purchasing or using a fire extinguisher to control a fire:

What type of fire extinguisher is needed?

Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire and an electrical fire require the use of different extinguishing agents to be effective and safely put the fire out.

Basically, there are five different types of extinguishing agents. Most fire extinguishers display symbols to show the kind of fire on which they are to be used. click below for more information

Learn about Smoke Alarms

While smoke alarms can alert residents to a home fire, they cannot extinguish a fire.  Home fire sprinkler systems can!

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

Learn About Fire Escape Plans

Be PREPARED! Practice your escape.

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

Prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities. It's also a good idea to practice your plan with overnight guests. Some tips to consider when preparing your escape plan include:

• Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

• Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.

• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

• Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.

• Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.

Smoking and Home Fires

If you smoke or live with someone who smokes, learn the facts.

Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to help prevent home fire deaths and injuries caused by smoking materials. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable.

If you smoke or live with someone who smokes, learn the facts. A lit cigarette left alone in a room, or accidentally dropped onto a chair or bed, or hot cigarette ashes or matches tossed away before they are completely out - all can cause a large fire in seconds.

Putting out a cigarette the right way only takes seconds, too. It is up to you to make sure your cigarette is put out, all the way, every time.

One-in-four people killed in home fires is not the smoker whose cigarette caused the fire.

• More than one third were children of the smokers.

• Twenty-five percent were neighbors or friends of the smokers.

Candle Safety Tips

Remember!  Candle fires are PREVENTABLE!

• Consider using battery-operated or electric flameless candles and fragrance warmers, which can look, smell and feel like real candles – without the flame.

• If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.

• Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

• Extinguish candles after use and before going to bed.

• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.

• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

• Set a good example by using matches, lighters and fire carefully.

• Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.

• Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used. The two can combine to create a large, unexpected fire.

• Always use a flashlight – not a candle – for emergency lighting.

• Never put candles on a Christmas tree.

• When using in home worship, don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them, or pass handheld candles from one person to another.

• To lower the risk of fire, candles should be used by only a few designated adults.

• And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!