Red Cross 
Emergency Preparedness

Red Cross Fire Safety Tips

Fire is one of the most common disasters. Each year, fires kill more Americans than all natural disasters combined. But fires do not have to be deadly, if you take the proper precautions and preventative measures. 

Please take the responsibility of your family's
safety seriously. Most residential fires are preventable, although it is a difficult fact to 
face for victims trying to rebuild their lives.

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Plan for and practice what you would do in the event of a fire in your home. Get together with 
your family to discuss and finalize your emergency plan and contact information. Practice your plan frequently. Here are some guidelines you can use 
in preparing your family.

PLAN YOUR GREAT ESCAPE

· Draw a floor plan of your home. Determine at least two ways to escape from every room.

· Have escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Store your escape
ladder right near the windows.

· If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it.

· Have a plan to escape if bars cover windows.

· Select a location outside your home where everyone will meet after escaping.

· Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

· Know who to call for emergency assistance.

 GET ALARMED!!!

  · Smoke detectors save lives! Install smoke detectors outside each sleeping area 
   and on each additional level of your residence. 

  · For extra safety, install smoke alarms inside each room. Keep new batteries on 
   hand.

  · Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. Replace batteries 
   at least once a year. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. 

  · Vacuum cobwebs and dust from smoke alarms on a monthly basis. 

   · Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarm every 
   ten years.

  · Make sure to have at least one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. 
   Keep one in the kitchen. Learn how to use it. Get trained by the fire department.

   · Make sure it is properly charged. Use the gauge or test button to check its   
   pressure. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, have it replaced or 
   make sure it is professionally serviced. 

    · Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, furniture and anything that could get hot and 
   catch on fire away from portable heaters. 

   · Plug heaters directly into the wall socket and unplug them when they are not in use.

   · Keep items away from the stove that could catch on fire.

   · Use safety plugs in electrical outlets, especially if you have small children.

   · Avoid overloading electrical outlets and running cords under carpet and furniture.

ESCAPE TO SAFETY

· Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home. 

 · Have a plan to escape if bars cover windows.

  · If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. 
    If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.

 · If your escape is through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. 
   If it is hot, use your second way out.

  · If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door  
   closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. 

 · If there is a telephone in the room, use it to call the fire department and tell them 
   your location.

  · You can help protect yourself and your family from the dangers of fire by planning 
   now for an emergency. Be smart and be safe.