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Fire Prevention:
Simple Steps That Could Save Your Life
Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries
The IAFC and fire experts nationwide encourage people to change smoke
detector batteries at least annually. An easy way to remember to change your
batteries is when you turn your clock back in the fall. Replace old
batteries with fresh, high quality alkaline batteries, such as energizer
brand batteries, to keep your smoke detector going year-long.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
After inserting a fresh battery in your smoke detector, check to make sure
the smoke detector itself is working by pushing the safety test button.
Count Your Smoke Detectors
Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home, including
the basement and family room and, most important, outside all bedrooms.
Vacuum Your Smoke Detectors
Each month, clean your smoke detectors of dust and cobwebs to ensure their
sensitivity.
Change Your Flashlight Batteries
To make sure your emergency flashlights work when you need them, use
high-quality alkaline batteries. Note: Keep a working flashlight near your
bed, in the kitchen, basement and family room, and use it to signal for help
in the event of a fire.
Install Fire Extinguishers
Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it.
Should you need to purchase one, the IAFC recommends a multi-or all-purpose
fire extinguisher that is listed by an accredited testing laboratory such as
Underwriters Laboratory.
Plan and Practice Your Escape
Create at least two different escape routes and practice them with the
entire family. Children are at double the risk of dying in a home fire
because they often become scared and confused during fires. Make sure your
children understand that a smoke detector signals a home fire and that they
recognize its alarm.
Change Your Clock, Change Your
Battery
Energizer brand Batteries, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
and your local fire department urge you to adopt a simple, potentially
lifesaving habit: change the batteries in your smoke detector when you
change your clocks back to standard time in the fall.
Consider The Following:
• Each day in the U.S., an average of three children die in home
fires – 1,100 children each year. About 3,600 children are injured in house
fires each year. Ninety percent of child fire deaths occur in homes without
working smoke detectors.
• Although smoke detectors are in 92 percent of
American homes, nearly one-third don't work because of old or missing
batteries.
• A working smoke detector reduces the risk of
dying in a home fire by nearly half.
What to do if Your Smoke Detector Begins Ringing or if
There is a Fire
• Remain calm and get out. Do not try to fight
the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 from a safe
place.
• If your clothes catch on
fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over to
smother the flames.
• Drop to the floor to avoid
smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety.
• Feel the door with the back
of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, find another way out.
• If you are unable to get
out of your home for any reason, get near a window and stay close to the
floor. If possible, signal for help.
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