Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you
escape. Install them on each level of your home and
outside of each sleeping area. Follow the
manufacturer's directions, and test once a week.
Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector
chirps to signal that the battery is dead. Don't
ever take the battery out for other uses!
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Plan
and Practice Your escape
If fire breaks out in your home, you must get out
fast. With your family, plan two ways out of every
room. Fire escape routes must not include elevators,
which might take you right to the fire! Choose a
meeting place outside where everyone should gather.
Once you are out, stay out! Have the whole family
practice the escape plan at least twice a year.
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Space Heaters Need space
Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet (1
meter) from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing,
bedding, or anything else that can burn. Never leave
heaters on when you leave home or go to bed, and
keep children and pets well away from them.
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Be
Careful Cooking
Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and don't
leave cooking unattended. Keep your pot's handles
turned inward so children won't knock or pull them
over the edge of the stove. If grease catches fire,
carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the
flames, then turn off the burner.
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A
Match is a Tool for Adults
In the hands of a child, matches or lighters are
extremely dangerous. Store them up high where kids
can't reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet.
And teach your children from the start that matches
and lighters and lighters are tools for adults, not
toys for kids. If children find matches, they should
tell an adult immediately.
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Use
Electricity Safely
If an appliance smokes or begins to smell unusual,
unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Check
all your electrical cords, and replace any that are
cracked or frayed. If you use extension cords,
replace any that are cracked or frayed; and don't
overload them or run them under rugs. Remember that
fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fire:
don't tamper with the fuse box or use fuses of an
improper size.
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Cool
a Burn
If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound
in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes to ease the pain.
Do not use butter on a burn, as this could prolong
the heat and further damage the skin. If burn
blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately.
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STOP, DROP, AND ROLL
Everyone should know this rule: if your clothes
catch fire, don't run! Stop where you are,
drop to the ground, and roll over and over to
smother the flames. Cover your face with your hands
to protect your face and lungs.
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Crawl Low Under Smoke
If you encounter smoke using your primary exit, use
your alternate route instead. If you must exit
through smoke, clean air will be several inches off
the floor. Get down on your hands and knees, and
crawl to the nearest safe exit.
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Practice Candle Safety
The popularity of candles as home decorations in
recent years, has resulted in an increase of candle
related fires. Some safe tips include: Never leave a
lit candle unattended in any room of the house;
Never leave candles burning when you go to bed; and
never use candles near combustible materials such as
curtains, drapes, bedding and cabinets. Visit our
candle safety page for more information.
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