Every year fire stations throughout San Bernardino County Fire hold open houses,
host safety fairs, and visit schools with the Fire Prevention Week theme to educate
about the dangers of fire. This year is no exception; stay tuned for more information
about what is happening throughout the County regarding Fire Prevention Week.
Being safe from fire in the home is no easy job. It takes
a conscious effort on the part of all members of the family, from the youngest to
the oldest. To help your family work at fire safety in the home, we have included
ten tips for home fire safety.
1. Install and maintain
smoke alarms: Install at least one smoke alarm
on every level of your home. This includes the basement. There should be one outside
each sleeping area. In apartment buildings, there should be a smoke alarm in each
apartment. Install, test, and maintain smoke alarms according to the manufacturer's
directions. Replace the dead batteries immediately. The alarm will usually emit
short beeps when batteries begin to lose power. Keep the face of the alarm clean
and free of dust and cobwebs.
2. Practice EDITH (Exit Drills
in the Home): Design an escape plan for the
family.
Make sure special provisions are made for
infants, elderly, and handicapped persons. Always have two ways out of any room,
including basements, in case smoke or flames make one way unusable. Make sure that
everyone knows where to go when they get out of the house. Pick a place for everyone
to meet. Never go back into
a building that is on fire. In an apartment
building, use only the stairs as an exit, never an elevator.
3. A match is a tool: Matches and lighters are tools for adults. Keep them where
children cannot reach them. Teach children to give matches and lighters to adults.
4. Stop, Drop, and Roll: If your clothes should ever catch on fire, stop wherever
you are, drop to the floor or ground, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
Cover your face with your hands to protect the face. Practice this with young children
regularly.
5. Crawl low in smoke: Smoke is hot from the fire. This will
make
it rise to the highest part of your house, around the ceiling. That is why you crawl
low in smoke. The cleanest air is near the floor.
6. Cool a burn: If someone gets burned, put cool water on the burned skin
immediately. Seek a doctor's help if a blister forms or if the burn is severe.
7. Smokers need watchers: Make sure smokers extinguish cigarettes in large, deep
ashtrays. Empty the ashtrays into the toilet. Check under the sofa and chair cushions
for cigarette butts before going to bed. Never smoke in bed.
8. Space heaters need space: Keep portable space heaters at least 36 inches
away from things that burn paper, bedding, clothing, curtains, etc.
Keep small children away from the heaters. Turn the heaters off when going to bed
or when leaving the home.
9. Be careful when cooking: Always pay complete attention when cooking at the stove.
Keep your children out of the way. If grease catches fire, place a lid over the
pan to smother the fire; turn off the burner. Never throw water or anything else
onto a grease fire. Make sure pot handles are turned inward so that they can't be
accidentally tipped over.
10. Practice safety with electricity: If an appliance gives off smoke or a burning odor, unplug
it immediately and have it checked for repairs. Check the cords on appliances; have
cords replaced if they are frayed or broken. Do not place extension cords under
rugs or in other places where they may be stepped on and broken. If you replace
a blown fuse, make sure the new fuse is of the same amperage.