Fires

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Before a Fire

Make sure your home is free of unnecessary combustible materials.
Do not store flammable liquids inside the home.
Do not run wires under carpets or rugs.
Do not store matches or cigarette lighters where children can get to them.
Do not leave cooking unattended.
If you smoke, do not smoke in bed or in other positions where you may doze.
If you smoke, have many large ashtrays in the home.
Know two avenues of escape.
Always have two ways out of every room.
Have a place to meet so no one tries to go back into a burning building to look for someone needlessly.
Have fire extinguishers near the kitchen and garage.
Have escape ladders for all windows higher than eight feet off the ground.
Install a smoke detector in every bedroom, in every hallway outside of a bedroom, and at least one on every level of the house.
Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries in the smoke detectors in the fall when you change your clocks.
Have furnace, chimneys, and flues inspected, cleaned, and (if necessary) repaired.
Always place a screen in front of a fireplace.
Aviod using extension cords and overcrowding outlets.
Store matches in a closed metal container, out of reach of children and heat sources.
Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in proper containers and in well-ventilated areas.
Plan and practice a family fire drill twice a year (day and night), drawing a floor plan of the home, identifying two ways out of every room, and designating a meeting place.
Make sure children know what to do if a fire starts.

During a Fire

Do NOT waste time saving property; leave the house immediately!
If you are inside and have time, make sure everyone is out.
Take the safest exit route, but if it's necessary to escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke, and keep your mouth covered (smoke contains toxic gases that can cause disorientation or worse, overcome you).
If you are outside, stay outside.
Do not return to your home for anything.
Do not re-enter the building until appropriate authorities have given permission.
If you are inside, get out go to the nearest house or building.
Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's home in the event of a fire. Report the address and type of fire. Listen and follow instructions.
Go to a family meeting place.
If you are in a closed room or office, do not open the door without first feeling it and the door knob. If it is warm or hot, do not open it, but unlock it to help rescue and fire personnel.
If there is smoke, get under the smoke, no matter how low it is, and get out of the building.
If you cannot use the door or other means of escape to exit and if there is smoke, use clothes, sheets, etc. to stop the smoke from coming in. Go to the window and yell or blow a whistle.
If you see someone on fire, use a coat, blanket, etc., but not your bare hands, to smother the flames.
Watch to see that nobody goes back inside to rescue anything or anyone.
If possible, turn off the gas and electricity from outside the house.
In a public building, know two ways out. If you hear a fire alarm, immediately exit the building regardless of what you are doing. Follow the established evacuation istructions.

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