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
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