Fire Safety & Disasters

IN CASE OF A FIRE IN YOUR HOME: (Firesafety.gov)

• In a fire, get out right away. Don't pause to gather belongings.
• Teach your children not to hide, but to get out right away.
• Escape first, and then call for help.
• Never go back into a burning home for any reason.
• If someone is missing, tell arriving firefighters - they are trained and equipped for rescues.

REMEMBER:

• Going back into a burning home can be deadly.
• The heat from a fire can scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
• Breathing even small amounts of smoke can make you confused or pass out.

If you get caught in a house on fire:

FEEL THE DOOR HANDLE

• If the door handle is hot, don't open it
• Go to a window and crawl out or call for help
• If the handle is not hot, open cautiously
• Check for smoke or fire before going out
• Yell “FIRE!” as you leave

CRAWL LOW TO THE FLOOR

• Thick smoke can make it impossible to see
• Toxic chemicals from smoke can be deadly in minutes.
• There may be a small space on the floor for you to breathe

CLOSE THE DOOR BEHIND YOU

• You may help keep the fire from spreading
• You may protect your possessions from fire and smoke damage

IF YOU CAN'T GET OUT, GET SOMEONE'S ATTENTION

• Yell and scream or call from your phone
• Hang a sheet from the window
• Stay low, there is less smoke and poisonous gasses

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR HOME

• Check to make sure your smoke alarms are working - Change the batteries once at least once a year
• Find all possible exits from your room or residence (windows and doors)
• Make a fire escape route plan that includes two escape routes
• Practice your fire escape route plan with your children
• Perform a “home inspection” for fire and safety hazards, such as:
• Overloaded electrical circuits
• Space heaters near combustible items
• Lit candles or unattended cigarettes
• Contact the Fire Department for more information