What to do in a case of fire

Get Out, Stay Out

Go as quickly as possible, leaving all possessions behind. And never go back in - you may not get back out. Call the Fire Department from outside.

Crawl Low In Smoke

If you can, crawl low while you exit. Smoke rises and cleaner air is nearer the floor.

Stop, Drop and Roll

If your clothes catch fire, let yourself down and roll. This will smother the fire. If you have physical limitations, someone else may need to smother the fire with a blanket or rug. Fanning the flames with your hands will not help - in fact, your hands may be severely burned.

Cool A Burn

Your best first aid is cool water which helps prevent further skin damage. Keep running cool after on burns until the pain stops. Salve or butter only traps in heat. If charred skin or blisters appear seek medical attention immediately.

Keep Doors Closed

Always sleep with your bedroom door closed, making sure the smoke alarm is audible or that you have an emergency light to alert you. If you hear your detector alarm, smell smoke or suspect fire, feel the door. I f hot, try your other exit; if not, slowly open it but be prepared to close it if smoke or flames rush in.

If You Are Trapped

Put closed doors between you and smoke. Stuff cracks and cover vents to keep smoke out. If there is a phone in the rom, call the Fire Department and let them know you are trapped. Give them your exact location. Keeping low, put a wet cloth over your nose and wait at the window, signalling with sheet or flashlight. Do not break the window.

Candles

Candles can provide a warm and festive atmosphere - but they can also be a fire hazard if left unattended or placed near anything flammable. The Home Safety Council encourages families to enjoy holiday candles while always keeping fire safety in mind:

Make sure an adult is in the room and paying attention whenever you light a candle. Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.
Do not permit children to keep or use candles or incense in their rooms. Candles should only be used when a sober adult is present and awake.
Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree or other evergreens.
Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including other decorations and wrapping paper.
Always use stable, nonflammable candle holders with a hurricane glass to protect the open flame.
Place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of pets and young children.
If you have children in your home, store candles, matches and lighters out of their sight and reach in a locked cabinet.
To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations.

Fire Prevention

Prevent Fires Caused by Cooking

Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.
Before cooking, roll up sleeves and use oven mitts. Loose-fitting clothes can touch a hot burner and catch on fire.
Never leave barbecue grills unattended while in use.
Keep grills at least three feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.

Prevent Fires Caused by Heating

Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or stacks of newspaper. Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Have them cleaned when necessary.
Keep things that can burn away from your fireplace and keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace.

Prevent Fires Caused by Smoking

Use “fire-safe” cigarettes and smoke outside.
Use large, deep ashtrays on sturdy surfaces like a table.
Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.

Prevent Fires Caused by Candles

Never leave burning candles unattended. Do not allow children to keep candles or incense in their rooms.
Always use stable, candle holders made of material that won’t catch fire, such as metal, glass, etc.
Blow out candles when adults leave the room.

Prevent Fires Caused by Gasoline and Other Products

Store gasoline in a garage or shed in a container approved for gasoline storage.
Never bring or use gasoline indoors; and use it as a motor fuel only.
Close the lid on all dangerous products and put them away after using them.
Store them away from the home and in a safe place with a lock.
Don’t plug in too many appliances at once.

Stop fires before they start

Check Out Appliances

Make sure all plugs and cords are in good condition, and repair or replace any worn or broken appliances.

Take Care in the Kitchen

Be especially careful in lighting matches or using the stove. Wear close-fitting sleeves when you cook. If a pan catches fire, smother it with a lid.

Space Heaters Need Their Space

Keep space heaters at least three feet from everything - especially you. A slight brush against some models could cause a clothing fire.

Take Care When Smoking

Always have large, deep ashtrays around for smokers. Never empty ashes into garbage cans or wastebaskets until they're soaked in water. Check upholstered furniture for dropped cigarettes or matches. Never smoke in bed or while on medication that might cause drowsiness.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 June 2008 )