October Safety Tips

 

  

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Remeber Day Light Savings Time is the Perfect Time to Change Your smoke Detector Batteries!!!!!
 
October Is Fire Prevention Month
 
For More Fire Prevention Information Contact Lieutenant Dave Lemek at the firehouse  215-675-4040
 

How to Plan & Stay Safe in a Fire

HOME ESCAPE PLANNING

Designing and practicing a home escape plan will help your family survive a home fire.  Since fire spreads quickly, early detection is a must.  If you haven’t done so already, install smoke alarms on each level of your home, and in each bedroom if possible.  Then follow the directions listed below to design a home escape plan for your family.

·        Gather the entire family and test your smoke alarms.  Now everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm.  Test each smoke alarm weekly and change the battery when you change your clock to and from day light savings time.

·        Draw a floor plan of your home showing each door and window of each room.  Be sure everyone understands two ways out of each room.

·        Check to be sure that all doors and windows open as designed.  Make repairs or alterations to accommodate the physical capabilities of your family.  If you have security bars on windows, they should have a quick release mechanism.

·        If the second way out of the rooms on the upper floor (s) of your home is through a window, and there is not direct access to a roof or other structure purchase an escape ladder.

·        Be sure children understand that an escape ladder is for emergency use only and be sure they know how to use it.

·        If you live in an apartment building, you should know two ways off your floor.  In the event of s fire, use the stairs and not the elevator.

·        Agree on a meeting place outside where the entire family can meet after everyone has exited the home.

·        Have a place outside where you can call 911 to report the fire, using a neighbor’s phone or a cell phone.

·        Practice your home escape plan at least twice a year (e.g. when you change your clocks).  If someone in your home needs assistance, assign a family member to assist him or her.

·        If there are children in your home, practice the escape plan until you are certain they understand what to do.  Practice crawling beneath the smoke and heat to the exit and practice testing doors, with the back of the hand, for warmth before opening.  Children should know that if the door is warm, fire is nearby, use the second way to get out.

·        Activate the test button on the smoke alarm after the children have gone to bed and see how they respond.  Practice makes perfect.

·        Fore more information about home escape planning and fire safety, you can go to the National Fire Protection Association’s web site at www.nfpa.org. 

 

BE PREPARED:    Fire drills help you to stay safe. You should always practice what to do in case of a fire.
1. First draw a map of you home with all windows and doors.
Then mark two ways out of every room.

2. Next you want to practice getting out using your map.

~ Always remember to stay low and go

      ~ If you get to a door remember to check and see if it is hot using the back of your hand.

      ~ If it is hot do not open the door, use your second choice to get out of that room.

      ~ Now, remember you should have a second way out, possibly a window, try that next.
3. Go to your meeting place.

~ Neighbors house

       ~ A tree on the front lawn

       ~ The Stop Sign on the corner
4. Next, Call 911

 ~ WAIT for the firefighters !

       ~ DO NOT go back into the house for anything or any reason.
 

Safety Check List

Plan To Get Out Alive

 YES NO
• Do you have a home fire escape plan with a pre-determined location to meet outside?

_______

_______
• Have you practiced your plan? _______ _______
• Is There at least one smoke alarm on each floor in your home? _______ _______
• Do you test your smoke alarms at least monthly? _______ _______
• Is the battery replaced yearly? _______ _______
• Is your smoke alarm less than 10 years old? _______ _______

Plan To Be Fire Safe

 YES NO
• Do you make sure matches and smoking materials are out before disposing of them? _______ _______
• Is "No Smoking in Bed or Inside" a rule in your home _______ _______
• Do you read the warning labels on aerosol cans because some propellants are highly flammable? _______ _______
• If you have a family member using oxygen at home, do you prohibit smoking in the same room with oxygen equipment? _______ _______

Electrical Hazards

 YES NO
• Are there enough electrical outlets in every room to avoid the need for multiple attachment plugs and long extension cords? _______ _______
• Do you have special circuits for heavy-duty appliances, such as air conditioners? _______ _______
• Are all extension and appliance cords checked frequently for wear? _______ _______
• Do you avoid draping wires and extension cords over pipes, or nails? _______ _______

Housekeeping Hazards

 YES NO
• Do you keep your basement, closets, and attic cleared of combustible materials? _______ _______
• If you store paint, varnish, etc., do you keep the metal containers tightly closed? _______ _______
• Has everyone in your family been warned never to use gasoline or other flammable fluids for cleaning anything indoors? _______ _______

Outdoor Safety

 YES NO
• Do you keep your barbecue grill at least 15' from any structure? _______ _______
• Do you shut off the gas at the tank when grill is not in use? _______ _______
• Do you refuel lawn mowers when the engine is cold? _______ _______
• Are your outdoor electrical receptacles the ground fault type? _______ _______
• Did you check Your electrical power equipment for cord fraying? _______ _______

Parent Safety

YES NO
• Do you keep matches out of the reach of children? _______ _______
• Do you leave a responsible person with your children when you go out, even for a short time? _______ _______
• When you employ a babysitter, do you instruct them what to do in case of a fire or medical emergency? _______ _______
• Do you keep candles away from children, combustibles and never leave candles unattended or burning while sleeping? _______ _______

 Safety Tips

    
• Clean and Vacuum your smoke alarms.    
• Test smoke alarms at least monthly-preferably weekly.    
• Change batteries when you change your clocks (Day light savings time)    
• Make and practice your home escape plan.    
• Clean up the basement, garage and storage areas.    
• Dispose of oil based paints by dropping them off at designated drop off sites, Call Borough Hall for more information 215-443-9100.    
• Check cords and outlets for fraying or exposed wiring on all electrically operated equipment.    
• Check propane grills for loose fittings and leaks before using.    
• Before using propane grills beginning of the season, check burner tubes to make sure they are free of obstructions such as insect nests.    
• Use only starter fluid (Never Gasoline) when lighting charcoal grills.    
• Fill Lawn Mowers, power saws, etc., only outside and when the engine is cool.    
• Never use or store gasoline indoors.    
• Make sure your address is clearly marked on your home.    
• Store swimming pool chemicals properly.    
IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911          FIRE ~ EMS ~ POLICE

Information and tips gathered from the Philadelphia Fire Department Fire Prevention Division