| Fire Prevention |
| Smoke Detectors |
| - Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas. - Test every smoke detector at least once a month. See your instruction book for the location of the test button. - Keep Smoke detectors dust free. Replace batteries at least once a year or sooner if the detector makes a chirping sound. - If you have a smoke detector directly wired into your electrical system, be sure that the signal light blinks periodically. This tells you the alarm is active. - Inexpensive smoke detectors are available for the hearing impaired. |
| Fire Extinguishers |
| They remain your best bet if you're on the spot when a fire begins. - Fire extinguishers should be mounted in the kitchen, garage, and workshop. - Purchase an ABC type extinguisher for extinguishing all types of fires. - Learn how to use your extinguisher before there is an emergency. - Remember, use an extinguisher on small fires only. If there is a large fire, get out and call 9-1-1 from another location. |
| THINKING AHEAD: Your exit plan |
| As with other things, the best motto is, "Be Prepared". - Prepare a floor plan of your home showing at least two ways out of each room. - Sleep with your bedroom door closed. In the event of fire, it helps to hold back heat and smoke. But if a door feels hot, do not open it; escape through another door or window. - Easy-to-use window escape ladders are available through many catalouges and outlet stores. For instance, First Alert sell them for around $90 each. - Agree on a fixed location out-of-doors where family members are to gather for a head count. - Stay together away from the fire. Call 9-1-1 from another location. Make certain that no one goes back inside the burning building. - Check corridors and stairways to make sure they are free of obstructions and combustibles. - To help cut down on the need for an emergency exit in the first place, clear all unnecessary items from the attic, basement, garage and closets. |
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| The Week of March 19th is Wildfire Safety Week. |