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A Note from Nancy - Fire Safety Tips

 FIRE SAFETY TIPS

 

Fire kills more Americans than all other natural disasters combined, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Home fires are responsible for 67% of total fire injuries and 75% of all fire deaths.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 50% of residential fire deaths occur in fires reported from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., while people are sleeping.  The leading cause of home fire fatalities are cigarettes and other smoking materials – 1, 300 people a year.

 

  • Smoke detectors – Installing and maintaining smoke detectors on every level of your home can cut home fire deaths in half.  Test each alarm every month by pushing the test button until you hear a loud noise.  Replace smoke alarm batteries with new ones at least once each year.
  • Home Fire Drills – Know how to escape a fire. Find two exits of every room – the door and possibly a window.  Have fire drills regularly to practice the procedures your family would use in case of fire. Choose an outside meeting place in front of the home.
  • Fire Extinguishers – Learn how to use yours before a fire occurs: pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep (PASS).
  • Candles – Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Kitchen fires – are the most common home fires.  Never leave cooking unattended.  Never wear loose fitting sleeves.  Turn off the stove when leaving the room.  Use a timer to remind you about food that is simmering, baking or roasting.  When you are finished cooking, turn off all burners and ovens.

Contributed by the National Fire Safety Council, Inc.

& the National Fire Protection Association

 Thanks to the following organizations for their contributions to these tips: 
the Topeka Fire Department, the National Fire Safety Council, Inc., and 
the National Fire Protection Association.