Fire Prevention and Safety

HOME fire extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out and containing small fires. Before fighting a small fire make sure that everyone has left the building and 9-1-1 has been called. The fire should be small, confined, and not spreading. Keep your back to a clear exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire.

To operate the extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS. P- Pull the pin that unlocks the operating lever. A- Aim low, point the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire. S- Squeeze the lever above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. To stop the discharge, release the lever. S- Sweep the nozzle from side to side. Moving carefully toward the flames, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth.

Once the fire goes out, watch the fire area and be prepared to repeat the process if the fire re-ignites. Have the fire department inspect the fire site even if you’re sure you’ve extinguished the fire.

For more information, please follow the link below.

Fire Extinguisher Information- NFPA

exit drills in the home

Three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. That’s why you need working smoke alarms and a plan to get out of the home in case of a fire. When the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside!

It is important to make a home escape plan with at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Choose an outside permanent fixture as a meeting place, a safe distance in front of the home. Practice your escape plan at night and during the day with everyone in your home at least twice a year. This is also a good time to check your smoke alarms using the test button to begin the drill. Be sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each separate sleeping area. Test smoke alarms once a month with the test button and make sure everyone knows the sound of smoke alarms and what they mean.

For multistory buildings know the location of all doors leading outside, know where manual fire alarm boxes are located, and never use an elevator during a fire. 

In the event of a fire where you are unable to get outside seal vents and cracks around doors with a blanket or towel and call 9-1-1. If possible, tell the dispatcher where you are located and signal from a window with a flashlight or light-colored cloth. You can even throw household items out of the window to attract attention.

Make a safe escape by using your second way out if smoke is blocking the main exit. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out. Once outside of the home, go to your meeting place, call 9-1-1, and stay out. Never go back into a burning building to rescue people, pets, or belongings!

For more information, please follow the link below.

How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan- NFPA