The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to share some important Fire Safety Tips with you as part of its Fire Prevention Education Program.These tips are listed in the table below with a brief discussion.
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Install Smoke Detectors
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Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside each bedroom. If you sleep with the door closed, install one inside your bedroom as well.Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer’s directions, and replace batteries twice a year, or whenever a detector “chirps” to signal a low battery. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old. |
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Create A Fire Escape Plan
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If a fire starts in your home, get out fast. Prepare for a fire emergency by gathering your family together and forming a fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows at least two unobstructed ways out – doors and windows – of every room in your home. Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet. This helps firefighters confirm that everyone is out safely. Have everyone practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year. |
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Crawl Low Under Smoke
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During a fire, smoke and poisonous gases rise with the heat. The air near the floor is cleaner and cooler. If you encounter smoke while you are escaping from a fire, use an alternate escape route. |
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Kitchen Safety
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Never leave cooking unattended. Keep your cooking area free of combustibles and take care to wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight fitting sleeves when you cook. If grease catches on fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Never attempt to throw water on this fire. This will only spread the fire, and could possibly splash back on you. If you have a fire don’t hesitate to call the Fire Department, even if you think it’s out. |
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Burns
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Run cool water or a burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately. |
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Stop, Drop and Roll
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If your clothes catch fire, don’t run. Stop where you are, Drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and Roll over and over to smother the flames.
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Matches And Lighters
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Teach your children that matches and lighters are tool, not toys and should only be used by an adult. Store matches and lighters up high where small children see or reach them. |
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Electrical Safety
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Don’t overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Discard any extension cord that is frayed or cracked. If an electrical appliance smokes or has an unusual odor, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again. Never tamper with your fuse box or use improper-size fuses. Take care when using appliances near water. |
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Space Heaters
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When using a space heater, remember to keep it at least three feet from anything that will burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed. |
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Fire Extinguishers
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A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely. |
For More Information Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Or visit the USFA website
The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to share some important Fire Safety Tips with you as part of its Fire Prevention Education Program.These tips are listed in the table below with a brief discussion.
|
Install Smoke Detectors
|
Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside each bedroom. If you sleep with the door closed, install one inside your bedroom as well.Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer’s directions, and replace batteries twice a year, or whenever a detector “chirps” to signal a low battery. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old. |
|
Create A Fire Escape Plan
|
If a fire starts in your home, get out fast. Prepare for a fire emergency by gathering your family together and forming a fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows at least two unobstructed ways out – doors and windows – of every room in your home. Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet. This helps firefighters confirm that everyone is out safely. Have everyone practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year. |
|
Crawl Low Under Smoke
|
During a fire, smoke and poisonous gases rise with the heat. The air near the floor is cleaner and cooler. If you encounter smoke while you are escaping from a fire, use an alternate escape route. |
|
Kitchen Safety
|
Never leave cooking unattended. Keep your cooking area free of combustibles and take care to wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight fitting sleeves when you cook. If grease catches on fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Never attempt to throw water on this fire. This will only spread the fire, and could possibly splash back on you. If you have a fire don’t hesitate to call the Fire Department, even if you think it’s out. |
|
Burns
|
Run cool water or a burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately. |
|
Stop, Drop and Roll
|
If your clothes catch fire, don’t run. Stop where you are, Drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and Roll over and over to smother the flames.
|
|
Matches And Lighters
|
Teach your children that matches and lighters are tool, not toys and should only be used by an adult. Store matches and lighters up high where small children see or reach them. |
|
Electrical Safety
|
Don’t overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Discard any extension cord that is frayed or cracked. If an electrical appliance smokes or has an unusual odor, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again. Never tamper with your fuse box or use improper-size fuses. Take care when using appliances near water. |
|
Space Heaters
|
When using a space heater, remember to keep it at least three feet from anything that will burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed. |
|
Fire Extinguishers
|
A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely. |
For More Information Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Or visit the USFA website
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