Check your smoke detectors to make sure they are in working order and change the batteries when you change your clocks.
Smoke Alarms and Detectors
Smoke detectors are devices that automatically sound a warning when they sense smoke or other products of combustion. They are usually mounted on a wall or the ceiling. When people are warned early enough about a fire, they can escape before it spreads. You can purchase one starting at $10.
Every year house fires kill thousands. Fire kills an estimated 4,000 Americans every year. Another 30,000 people are seriously injured by fire each year. Property damage from fire costs us at least $11.2 billion yearly. Most fire victims feel that fire would "never happen to them.
Although we like to feel safe at home, about two-thirds of our nation's fire deaths happen in the victim's own home. The home is where we are at the greatest risk and where we must take the most precautions. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous gases, not from the flames.
Most fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are most likely asleep. Over 90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings.
A Johns Hopkins University study, funded by the United States Fire Administration, found that 75 percent of residential fire deaths and 84 percent of residential fire injuries could have been prevented by smoke detectors.
There are two basic types of smoke detectors
Ionization detectors - Ionization detectors contain radioactive material that ionizes the air, making an electrical path. When smoke enters, the smoke molecules attach themselves to the ions. The change in electric current flow triggers the alarm. The radioactive material is called americium. It's a radioactive metallic element produced by bombardment of plutonium with high energy neutrons. The amount is very small and not harmful.
Photo-electric detectors - This type of detector contains a light source (usually a bulb) and a photocell, which is activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed towards the photocell. The photocell then is activated to trigger the alarm.
Choosing a smoke detector
When choosing a smoke detector, there are several things to consider. Think about which areas of the house you want to protect, where fire would be most dangerous, how many you will need, etc.
The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that every home have a smoke detector outside each sleeping area (inside as well if members of the household sleep with the door closed) and on every level of the home, including the basement. The National Fire Alarm code requires a smoke detector inside each sleeping area for new construction. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens.
Installation
The placement of smoke detectors is very important. Sleeping areas need the most protection. One detector in a short hallway outside the bedroom area is usually adequate. Hallways longer than 30 feet should have one at each end. For maximum protection, install a detector in each bedroom.
Be sure to keep the detector away from fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid false alarms. Place smoke detectors at the top of each stairwell and at the end of each long hallway. Smoke rises easily through stairwells. If you should put a smoke detector in your kitchen, be sure to keep it away from cooking fumes or smoking areas.
It’s important to properly mount a smoke detector. You can mount many detectors by yourself, however those connected to your household wiring should have their own separate circuit and be installed by a professional electrician. If you mount your detector on the ceiling, be sure to keep it at least 18 inches away from dead air space near walls and corners. If you mount it on the wall, place it six to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from corners. Keep them high because smoke rises.
Never place them any closer than three feet from an air register that might re-circulate smoke. Don't place them near doorways or windows where drafts could impair the detector operation. Don't place them on an un-insulated exterior wall or ceiling. Temperature extremes can affect the batteries.
Maintenance
It’s simple to keep smoke detectors in good condition. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to replace the batteries every year or as needed. Most models will make a chirping, popping or beeping sound when the battery is losing its charge. When this sound is heard, install a fresh battery, preferably an alkaline type.
Remember, every three years to change the bulbs. Keep extras handy. Check the smoke detector every month by releasing smoke or pushing the “test” button. Clean the detector face and grillwork often to remove dust and grease. Never paint a smoke detector as it will hamper its function. Check your detector if you've been away from home.
Smoke Detectors make great housewarming (or any time) gifts. It's an interesting present that can save lives and it shows that you care.
Fire Safety Tips
ACT NOW TO BE PREPARED
1. Buy and carefully maintain a quality smoke detector
2. Learn what causes fire.
3. Inspect your home to eliminate or control fire hazards.
4. Install at least one 5-pound A-B-C type fire extinguishers in the home and teach family members how to use them.
5. Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
6. Hold practice fire drills until all family members are thoroughly familiar with the plan.
7. If you have an older home, have the wiring checked by a qualified electrician to make sure it meets current building codes.
8. Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected yearly for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks or mortar and any obstructions.
9. Keep storage areas clean and tidy.
10. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
11. Store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources. Never keep gasoline in the house.
12. Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
13. Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen.
14. Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire.
WHAT TO DO Remain CALM, but take IMMEDIATE action.
IF IT IS A HOME OR HIGH-RISK FIRE
1. If you smell smoke or the smoke detector goes off, DIAL 911 and activate the nearest pull-station at once.
2. Before you open the door, feel the door by using the back of your hand. If the door is hot or warm, do not open the door.
3. If the door is cool, open the door just a little to check the hallway. If you see smoke, do not leave.
4. If there is no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door. Go directly to the stairs and leave.
5. If you can’t escape, use wet towels or tape to seal the door and any room supply vent.
6. If you have a balcony and there is no fire below and go out.
7. It there is fire below, go to the window. Do not open the window, but stay near the window.
8. If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it. Stay near the window.
9. Hang a blanket or a towel out the window to let people know that you are there and need help.
10. Remain calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
11. Never use the elevator.
IF IT IS A COOKING FIRE
1. Call the fire department immediately.
2. Slide a pan lid over the flames to smother a grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place.
3. Extinguish other food fires with baking soda. Never use water or flour on cooking fires.
4. Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE
1. Do not enter a fire damaged building unless authorities say it’s safe to do so.
2. When entering a fire damaged building look for signs of heat or smoke.
3. Have an electrician check your household wiring before the current is turned back on. Do not attempt to reconnect any utilities yourself. Leave this to the fire department and other authorities.
4. Beware of structural damage. Roofs and floors may be weakened and need repair.
5. Contact your local disaster relief service such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army if you need housing, food or personal items, which were destroyed in the fire.
6. Call your insurance agent. Keep records of all clean up and repair costs.
7. Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.
8. If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
9. Secure personal belongings or move them to another location if possible.
In Case of Emergency (ICE)
In the event of an emergency where you may be unconscious or unable to talk, emergency crews can use your phone and find your ICE contact. They will be able to call your emergency contact and inform them of the event as well as gather valuable information about your health and/or medical conditions.
Participating in the ICE program only takes a few seconds; your friends and family will be grateful.
Step 1: Create a new Contact in your cellular phone
Step 2: Name that contact ICE
Step 3: Program the number for your emergency contact
Done!
Follow these hints to get the best out of ICE:
Make sure the person whose name and number you are giving has agreed to be your ICE partner
Make sure your ICE partner has a list of people they should contact on your behalf - including your place of work
Make sure your ICE person's number is one that's easy to contact, for example a home number could be useless in an emergency if the person works full time
Make sure your ICE partner knows about any medical conditions that could affect your emergency treatment - for example allergies or current medication
Make sure if you are under 18, your ICE partner is a parent or guardian authorized to make decision on your behalf - for example if you need a life or death operation
Pool Safety Tips
Unfortunately, it takes just seconds for a child to drown. Drowning is the leading cause of death in many states for children under the age of five. Most of these children drown in their own backyard swimming pool, but others drown in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, dog water bowls, canals and ponds. Small children are top-heavy, and they don't have the upper body strength to lift themselves out of one of these dangerous situations. Even if the child survives the incident, they are often left with permanent brain damage.
Drowning and near drowning can be prevented, and you can help! Anyone involved with the supervision of children needs to be aware of the dangers associated with any body of water. Below are important tips to prevent needless tragedies.
Know where your children are at all times
Use an approved barrier to separate the pool from the house
Never allow children to be alone near a pool or any water source, no exceptions!
Have life-saving devices near the pool, such as a pole/hook, or flotation device
Keep large objects such as tables, chairs, toys, and ladders away from pool fences
Post the 9-1-1 number on the phone
Do not allow children to play near the pool and store all toys outside the pool area
If you leave the pool area, always take the children with you
Always have a “designated child watcher”
Learn to swim
Never swim alone, or while under the influence of alcohol or medications
Never swim when thunder or lightning is present
Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water
Ultimate Guide to RV Fire Safety(Article compliments of Kiel a student from learninghaven.com )
As RVs become more popular for travel and recreation, it’s important to understand the potential fire risks and how to prevent them. RVs are at a higher risk of fires due to their smaller space, propane appliances, and electrical systems. It is crucial to take preventative measures and know how to respond to a fire emergency.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to stay safe and prepared on the road.
