Homes with Security Bars| Fire Planning | Things to Remember | Other Items to have
Everyone at home of an age to learn about Fire Safety is paramount in your safety and that of your family. Many are burned by fire each year, men, women and children. Especially children and the elderly. It is our responsibility to protect, educated and supervise children and some elderly constantly.
The NFPA notes that although a fire is reported every 15 seconds, in most cases, they are completely preventable. Here are some tips that can help you avoid fires in the home:
Nearly one-third of home fire victims lost their lives in fires that were smoking-related. If you have a smoker in your home, install a smoke and fire alarm in his or her room and have large, heavy ashtrays placed in various locations.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 14,000 clothes dryer-related fires occur each year. Since dust and lint buildup is the major problem, CPSC recommends that you clean the lint filter after each load and make sure the dryer is operating properly. Check for dust and lint buildup in the exhaust duct and around other major appliances, such as washers, water heaters and furnaces.
Take all the clothes out of the dryer after the cycle is done.
All appliances should be unplugged when not in use. If an appliance begins to smoke or smell, unplug it immediately.
Heat producing devices, such as irons and automatic brew coffee pots should never be trusted to turn themselves on or off, particularly if they depend on a clock or timer.
Don't leave stoves or burners unattended when cooking. Also, don't wear loose fitting clothes while cooking since they catch fire more easily.
Unplug power tools when not in use.
Don't plug too many items in the same electrical outlet or circuit, and check wiring and outlets for signs of damage.
Don't place extension cords under rugs. Instead, use longer ones and go around edges.
Leave lots of space around fans and space heaters.
Keep any flammable materials away from your furnace or water heater.
Have your furnace professionally inspected once a year.
Always remember to keep matches and lighters away from children.
Install a smoke and fire alarm on each floor.
Keep a fire extinguisher near each exit.
Get your furnace inspected and cleaned every year.
Hold a fire drill, showing everyone how to stay low and exit from the dwelling.
Do not keep combustible materials like newspapers after you have finished with them. Flammable liquids should be stored in a cool, ventilated place away from any source of heat.
If you have a wood stove or fireplace, have the chimney cleaned regularly.
HAVE A SOUND FIRE ESCAPE PLAN
In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Practice Escaping From Every Room In The Home
Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Security Bars Require Special Precautions
Security bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
Immediately Leave The Home
When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
Never Open Doors That Are Hot To The Touch
When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.
Designate A Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance
Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
Once Out, Stay Out
Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.
Finally, having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.
Security bars may help keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Use the following tips to help reduce the number of fire injuries and deaths associated with security bars on windows and doors preventing fire escape.
Use Quick Release Devices On Barred Windows and Doors
Windows and doors with security bars should have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. These devices operate from inside and allow the bars to be opened for emergency escape without compromising the security of your home. The quick release devices should be easy to open without the use of a key, detailed knowledge or great physical effort. Release devices vary by region and manufacturer. Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency number for information on approved release devices available in your area.
Consider Retrofitting Current Security Bars
Security bars on windows and locked doors prevent escape from fire and also impede firefighters' rescue attempts. If the security bars in your home are permanently fixed or do not have quick release devices, they should be retrofitted with release devices.
Be Aware Of Security Bar Issues When Practicing Fire Escape Routes
Know and practice fire escape plans monthly, and use them to identify and correct obstructions of windows and doors needed for escape from a deadly fire. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened.
It is important that everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate locked or barred windows and doors. Windows should open easily and be wide enough to allow escape, and locked or barred doors should operate quickly and easily.
GET OUT of the House or building and STAY OUT!
Crawl low under the smoke.
Feel doors with the back of your hand for heat, before opening.
Open doors slowly and be ready to close them if heat or fire is outside them.
Once out of the house or building, DON'T GO BACK IN FOR ANY REASON!
Once outside go to a phone and call 911 to report the fire.
If your clothes catch on fire: S, DROP, and ROLL until the fire goes out and cover your face with your hands.
Close any doors you safely can as you are leaving the house or building.
Where the fire is located in the house or building.
If anyone is still in the house or building and where they might be located.
Any hazards that might be in the house or building.
Flashlights: Make sure you have plenty of flashlights. When there is a fire in your home, chances are the electricity will be off.
Cellular or Wireless Phone: So you can call 9-1-1 from outside the building in a safe place. If you do not have a cell phone or wireless phone, go to a neighbors or flag down a passer-by, BUT GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND STAY OUT - DO NOT GO BACK IN FOR ANYTHING
Keep A Garden Hose hooked up outside with a nozzle.
Escape Ladders are available at most department stores for people who sleep above the first floor. This is a must if you have children.
A Fire-Proof Safe Or Letter Box which is available at many office supply stores. Keep important papers such as Insurance Policies and an extra set of car keys and medical information inside. This is important information you will need after the fire.