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Section 7: Fire SafetyRead this section carefully. It contains important information about fire safety.
Household
Fire Safety
Audit
Most fires occur in the home. To minimize this danger, we recommend that a
household fire safety audit be done and a fire escape plan be created.
1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed
cords, overloaded lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain about the co ndition
of your electrical appliances or household service, have a profess ional evaluate
these units.
2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well-ventilated,
cool area? Cleaning with flammable liquids should be av oided.
3. Are fire-hazardous materials (e.g., matches) well out of reach of children?
4. Are furnaces and wood burning appliances properl y installed, clean and in
good working order? Have a professional evaluate these app liances.
Fire Escape
Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and th e time it
becomes deadly. Therefore it is very important to develop and rehearse a family
escape plan.
1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. S ince
many fires occur at night, special attention should be given to the escape
routes from sleeping quarters.
3. Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior door.
Consider the following when making your escape plans:
• Make sure that all exterior doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that
they are not painted shut, and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly, or the handi-
capped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes making sure that
those who are to perform the rescue can promptly hear the fire warn ing signal.
• If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be
provided as well as training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from
exterior patio doors in winter. Outdoor furniture or equipment should no t block
exits.
• Each person should know of a predetermin ed assembly point where everyone
can be accounted for (e.g., across the street or at a neighbor’s house). Once
everyone is out of the building, call the Fire Department.