Deputy fire chief Rick Campbell explains how to avoid fire emergencies in the home.
- Always keep a box of baking soda handy in the kitchen to quickly smother grease fires. Place in a decorative container next to the stove so it's always handy.
- The key to fire safety in the home is to prevent the fire in the first place. Do not rely on the fire department alone to come rescue you and your family. It is your responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
- Test smoke detectors once a month. If possible, buy them with a built-in light that goes on when the detector goes off. Some smoke detectors are hard-wired into the ceiling. Install battery-run detectors on the ceiling near bedrooms and at least one on every level of the home. Change batteries in detectors twice a year--during the spring and fall. Use daylight savings time as a reminder to change the batteries. Detectors should be near sleeping areas, but not inside the bedrooms. If a fire reaches the bedroom, it could be too late.
- NEVER leave your stove or cooking unattended. This is a major cause of home fires across the nation. It only takes a few moments for grease or food to burst into flames from the heating elements or gas flame, igniting the kitchen into flames in less than 30 seconds. Also, never allow items to lay loose around the stove. Items may heat up and burst into flames, causing a fire to ignite in the kitchen.
- If you are cooking a dish in a pan on the stovetop without a lid, keep the lid next to the stovetop on the counter. If a grease fire should erupt, you will have the means to put it out by placing the lid onto the pan, thus smothering the fire.
Small Appliances, Cords and Outlets
- When using an extension cord, always unwind the cord completely because it may generate heat while it is bundled. Do not use an extension cord as a permanent source for power. Check regularly for damaged or frayed cords. Throw out any damaged extension cords. DO NOT try to repair them.
- Do not overload outlets with small appliances. The rule is one appliance per plug. Remove the plug out of the outlet when the appliance is not being used. If cords from appliances or plugs into outlets feel hot or warm to the touch, stop using them, and throw them out. An alternative method is to take it to a professional to be repaired, but do not try to fix it yourself.
- Only use the recommended wattage bulb for each lamp. If not, the socket may lead to fire through overheating of the bulb. Also, make sure halogen lights are far enough away from flammable objects (curtains, bookshelves) so they don't catch fire.
- Give space heaters space. Do not place any thing within three feet of an operating space heater.
- Fix any loose rugs or mats into position with anti-slip pads or tape. Keep exits and passageways free of boxes, furniture and other tripping hazards. Be sure to keep the floor clear of toys, games, magazines and other obstructions at all times.
Fire Escape Routes
- Make sure everyone knows emergency routes out of the home. Practice fire drills until the routes to the outside are second nature. Keep in mind that once a fire has begun in a home, there are approximately 90 seconds to escape before being overcome by smoke or heat. Designate a meeting place outside of the home. Never go back into a burning home. Run to a neighbor’s house, and call 911.
- Make sure windows that are a part of your emergency routes can be easily opened. Also, if they are above the first floor, keep a rope or rope ladder near the window for easy escape.
