Fire Emergency Services Safety Tips – 6 Steps for Survival

Many home fires happen at night, between 11 P.M. and 6 A.M., while most of us are sleeping.

Make sure your family can protect itself by knowing these six steps:

1. Smoke detectors should be installed on each level of your home and outside sleeping areas. If you sleep with the bedroom door closed, install a detector in the bedroom. Smoke detectors sound an early warning while escape is still possible. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries biannually when the time changes.

2. Have a home fire escape plan. Draw out your home on paper and mark at least two exits from each room. Make plans for family members that may need assistance, the very young or old. If exits include windows, make sure they can be easily opened and if they're high have escape ladders available. Designate a place for everyone to meet once they get outside.

3. Practice your plan. Have one practice with family members using their primary exit and another where the secondary way out is used. If necessary, make changes. Fire drills aren't just for school.

4. If possible, sleep with bedroom doors closed. In the event of a home fire they can hold back smoke and fire, increasing your time for escape.

5. When awakened by your smoke detector, roll out of bed and crawl to your bedroom door. Test the door with the back of your hand, for heat. Feel it high, low and touch the knob. If the door is hot, DO NOT open it, and use your secondary exit to escape. If it is cool, open it carefully and be ready to slam it shut if there is smoke or fire.

6. Go to your designated meeting place. Have someone go to a neighbor's to call 9-1-1. Once you're outside, you should never go back into a burning building.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the JB MDL Fire Prevention Office at 754-2451.