Fire Prevention

People age 65 and older are twice as likely to die in a home fire as the population at large. You can reduce this risk by following the simple tips shown below.

Tips To Prevent Fires

• Give smokers a large, deep ashtray. Also, wet cigarettes, cigars
  and ashes before emptying ashtrays into a trash can. Smokers should
  never smoke when they are drowsy, in bed or lying down.



• Leave adequate space around space heaters. They should be
  kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people
  and pets. Unplug heaters when you shut them off, go to bed, or leave
  your house.



• Be smart in the kitchen. Wear tight-fitting, rolled-up or short sleeves
  when cooking. Use oven mitts or pot holders to handle hot pans. Never
  leave food that is cooking unattended. If a pan of food catches fire,
  slide a lid over it and turn off the burner. Don't cook if you are drowsy
  from alcohol or medication.



• Remember to Stop, Drop and Roll! If your clothing catches on fire,
  STOP, don't run. DROP gently to the ground and cover your face with
  your hands. Roll over and over to smother the flames. If you can't do
  this, smother the flames with a towel or blanket. Immerse burns in cool
  water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burns are severe, get medical help
  immediately.



• Get smoke alarms, and keep their batteries fresh. Have
  smoke alarms installed outside all sleeping areas and on each level
  of your home. Test each alarm once a month by pushing the test
  button. Make sure that everyone in your home can hear the alarms.
  If a person in your home is hearing-impaired, get visual (flashing)
  alarms installed as well as audio (sound) alarms.



• Plan and practice escape routes. Know two ways out of every
  room in your home. Make sure windows and doors open easily, and
  get emergency escape ladders if necessary. If your home catches on
  fire, get out and stay out.



• Know your local emergency telephone number. It may be 911 or
  the fire department's telephone number. Once you have escaped
  from a fire, call the fire department from a neighbor's telephone or a
  cell phone.



• Plan your escape to fit your abilities. Have a telephone in your
  bedroom and keep the emergency telephone number near it in case
  you are trapped by a fire.