PREVENTING HOME FIRES -PART 2

SECTION2

IN CASE OF FIRE:

• Call the fire service.
• Call the police because of looters
• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast. You may have only seconds to escape safely.
• If there is smoke blocking your door or first way out, use your second way out.
• Smoke is toxic. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
• Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• If there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call the fire brigade.
• If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.  Call fire station. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
• If your clothes catch fire and you have run out of the inferno,stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands.  Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.  Those with burns should get medical help immediately.

Escaping the Fire

• Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.
• Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that burglar bars and other anti-theft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.
• Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire.
• Clean out storage areas. Do not let trash such as old newspapers and magazines accumulate?

Fire Escape Planning for Older Adults and People with disabilities

• Live near an exit. You'll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building. If you live in a multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the ground floor, and near an exit.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you get through the doorways.
• Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape.
• Speak to your family members about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
• Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call your local emergency number  or fire station if a fire occurs