Members Chief's Blog SOG Vehicles Recent Events History Safety Tips Training

1. Fire is Black

A real fire is so dark that you can barely see the flames. You will be lost and confused by the thick smoke even in your own bedroom, unless you know what to do. You must know how to escape your home with your eyes closed

2. The Smell of Smoke Will not wake You

The Poisonous gases actually put you into a deeper sleep. Most fires occur at night and only a loud noise, such as a smoke alarm, will wake you when you're sleeping.

3.The Fire's Heat is Intense

You don't have to be near the flames to be injured. Your body cannot survive temperatures higher than 150 degree, and a fire can rage over 600 degrees! Learn what you can do to survive this kind of heat.

4. There is No Time to Think

You may have as little as one minute to escape once a fire starts. If a fire is not put out in 30 seconds it should be considered beyond control. Every second must be used to get out.

What to do in a Fire

When the fire alarm wakes you, roll out of bed to the floor. Always stay as close to the floor as possible; the air is cleaner and cooler near the ground. In a blaze, the temperature at knee level may be as cool as 90 degrees, but a burning 690 degrees at shoulder level! Stay on your hands and knees to avoid the heat and smoke.

Crawl to the door, and touch it to see if it's hot. If the door is cool, open it a crck to check for smoke. If there is none, leave by your escape route. Remember to crawl, and keep your head low. On your way out, be sure to close all doors behind you. This can delay the fire for hours.

Do not open the door if it feels hot! Opening the door will only let in the harmful smoke and gas. Keep the door shut and look for an alternate escape route. Go out the window if possible.

If you are unable to leave your room or apartment, seal the crack around the door with wet towels or blankets, and try to let some fresh air in through the window. Call the Fire Department if you can and tell them exactly where you are. Shout for help and signal your position by waving a bright colored cloth, towel, or sheet.

If you clothes catch fire, do not run! STOP wher you are, DROP to the ground, and ROLL to put out the flames.

Now you've learned what to do if you are caught in a fire, but do you know how to keep a fire from breaking out in your home? Here are some of the most common causes of fire. Search your house to see if you spot any of these danger signs.

Practice Fire Safety

Always sleep with your bedroom door closed. The closed door will delay the fire and give you time to escape. It is also a good idea to keep a flashlight near your bed so you can find your way around. Remember, in a fire there is no light!

Make sure your family has a fire escape plan. Everyone in your home should know two escape routes from every room. With your parents , decide on a place outside where you can meet to be sure everyone has escaped safely. PRACTICE a Home Fire Drill often!

Know How to Dial Emergency Fire Numbers. Many, but not all cities have the emergency number, 911. Find out what the emergency number is is your area, and post it where it will be easily seen. Memorize your complete address so you can tell it to the Fire Department.

Check your Smoke Detectors. Because the smell of smoke will not wake you while you sleep, you must rely on a smoke alarm to save your life. Make sure your home has a smoke detector near each sleeping area and escape route. Remember to change the batteries often.

Do This Test at Home. Stand in your bedroom or another room that you know very well. Close your eyes and turn around three times. keeping your eyes closed, crawl on your hands and knees to the door. Can you find it quickly in the dark? this is how you would feel in a real fire. Even if you know your room very well, it will be difficult to find your way out. You can be prepared by practicing your escape route often and keeping a flashlight nearby.

First Alert Safety Tips

Smoke detectors are an excellent early warning system. When a home Fire Starts, every second counts. a smoke alarm can provide the valuable time needed to exit the home safely.

Choose only the detectors that are tested and rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Locate detectors on each level of your home, and especially on the hallway ceiling near the sleeping area. don't place them too close to cooking areas, in the garage, or near vents. Also, if you have children or sleep with your bedroom door closed, make sure you put one in every bedroom.

Maintain units by testing batteries monthly and replacing weak ones immediately.

Fire extinguishers are available in two types to fight the three classes of residential fires - A, B, and C. Read the label carefully on the fire extinguisher package to assure that the unit that meets your specific needs is selected. Different areas of the home will require different extinguishers; for example, a kitchen extinguisher is best for fighting grease and electrical fires.

Locate extinguishers on each level of your home. Keep one in the kitchen, not too close to the stove. don't forget the garage, workshop, basement, camper and vacation home.

Maintain extinguishers by checking them monthly to be sure each unit is holding its charge.

 

Safety information provided by

   United States Fire Administration
    16825 S. Seton Ave.
    Emmitsburg Maryland 21727

    McDonalds Corporation

   B.R.K. Electronics, manufacturers of First Alert home fire safety products