GREEN SPRING VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE SAFETY
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| Fire Alarms | Kitchen Safety | Electrical Safety | Smoking Safety |
Fire Alarms
Nearly 4,000 Americans die every year in residential fires. Most of these deaths are not from heat or flames but from inhaling smoke and toxic fumes. Smoke is actually the particles of combustion generated by what is burning -- paper, wood, chemicals, plastic, upholstery, or other fuels.
When a smoke alarm senses smoke, an alarm automatically sounds. Most fatal home fires occur between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Fires often generate lethal amounts of unseen smoke and fumes well before flames are visible and before heat makes residents feel uncomfortably warm. As a result, many people who die in home fires are asleep and never wake up. When carefully purchased, installed, and maintained, smoke alarms can prevent such needless deaths. Smoke alarms buy time to get out of the house quickly before toxic fumes accumulate to lethal levels. Working smoke alarms double an occupant's chance of surviving a fire.
Kitchen Safety
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Never leave food cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen or turn off the stove.
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Should a pan fire occur, use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a tight-fitting lid to extinguish the fire. If the fire has spread beyond the pan, get out immediately and call 911.
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Never use flour or water to extinguish a cooking fire. Flour is combustible and water can spread the fire.
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Never attempt to carry a burning pan out of the kitchen area; severe burns could result and the fire could spread.
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Keep pan handles turned inwards so they aren’t accidentally bumped or grabbed by children.
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Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves while cooking. Clothing may ignite or catch a pot handle and pull it off the stove.
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Make sure there aren’t any combustible objects such as dishtowels, potholders, decorations or boxes on or near the stove.
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Keep the stove clean. Do not allow grease to accumulate on cooking surfaces.
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If there is a fire in the oven, turn off the oven and allow the fire to die down before opening the oven door.
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If a fire breaks out in a microwave oven, keep the door closed and unplug the unit. Don't try to remove burning containers from a microwave. Top
Electrical Safety
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A few suggestions here can help prevent fires and avoid serious injury or death.
- Be sure to unplug all heat-producing appliances like coffee makers, broilers, toasters, irons and heaters when not in use to eliminate a potential fire hazard.
- Make sure all appliances have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing.
- Avoid using blow dryers, curling irons, radios, televisions or electric razors around sinks or while in bathtubs.
- Place all lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.
- Extension cords are designed for temporary use only. If you must use an extension cord, do not overload them with several appliances or use too many cords in one socket. Do not string multiple extension cords together.
- Make sure you use the proper gauge extension cord for the equipment it is operating, especially with power tools and high-wattage appliances.
- Avoid running extension cords under carpeting, rugs, through doorways or across walkways. To avoid tripping or electrical shorting hazards, protect cords routed across walkways with the proper shield.
- Electrical cords should be free of knots and kinks. Have damaged plugs and frayed or worn cords repaired immediately.
- When using outdoor appliances, use only approved exterior extension cords, not the household type normally used indoors.
- Avoid storing boxes or other combustible items in front of unused outlets in case a short or a malfunction should occur..
- Be sure switches are rated for the proper amperage and voltage before installing.
- Surge protectors are recommended for use with computers and entertainment equipment, such as stereos and televisions.
- Be sure to maintain a clearance space between furniture or other items and cords plugged into outlets.
Smoking Safety
- Prevent smoking fires by using these precautions and a watchful eye:
- Prohibit smoking in bed.
- Always have working smoke alarms in the home.
- Make large ashtrays available. Ashtrays with cigarette holders in the center are safer because if left unattended the cigarette will fall into the tray
- Cigarette butts should not be emptied directly into the trash can; cigarettes can smolder for several hours and then burst into flames. It is better to empty the ashtray into the toilet or let it sit overnight.
- After parties where smoking has been permitted, check all furniture and trashcans to ensure that cigarettes were discarded properly. Top