In the amount of time it takes you to brush your teeth, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Follow these home fire safety tips to minimize the risk of fires in your home:
- Always sleep with your bedroom doors closed.
- Ensure all household members know the sound of a Smoke Alarm, two ways of escape from every room, and your pre arranged outdoor meeting spot.
- If your home fills with smoke: Get low and go, by crawling below heat and smoke.
- If no one is behind you, close interior doors as you escape to compartmentalize the fire.
- Get out and stay out. Go directly to your outdoor meeting spot and stay there.
- Never return inside a burning home. If a person or pet needs to be rescued, tell the first arriving firefighters. They are trained, equipped and prepared to help.
- Fire Extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is your safe escape.
- Select one or more multi-purpose (Type ABC) Fire Extinguishers for your home that can be used on all types of fires. They should be large enough to put out a small fire, but not too heavy to easily carry and use.
- Read the instructions that come with your Fire Extinguisher and become familiar with its operation before a fire occurs.
- Store or install your Fire Extinguishers close to an exit, where they will be easy to find and access in an emergency.
- When choosing to use a Fire Extinguisher, keep your back toward a clear exit so you can make a quick and easy escape if the fire cannot be immediately controlled.