Fire Safety
The following tips offered by CIG are meant to supplement other necessary tools and actions to increase fire safety, such as smoke detectors and alarms, sprinklers, escape-route planning, extinguishers and fire blankets.
1. Locks and security bars.
While locks and security bars on doors and windows may prevent intruders from getting in, they shouldn't prevent you from getting out in the event of a fire. Make sure that security bars include a quick-release device so they can be opened immediately from the inside. Once you evacuate, leave unlocked to make it easier for firefighters to enter your dwelling.
2. Sand buckets.
Fill a light metal bucket with sand and keep next to ovens, barbeques and other areas where fires can occur. Dumping the sand on a fire will starve it of oxygen. Oil fires are resistant to water, so a fire sand bucket may be the only way to put out the fire. Add fire extinguishers for the garage, kitchen or laundry room.
3. Smoke Response.
If there’s smoke, be sure to crawl low, keep your mouth covered and eyes down. Breathing in smoke can cause dizziness and disorientation. A wet hand towel can act as a mask.
4. Hot spots.
If you reach a door that is closed, use the back of your hand to check for heat at the top of the door, doorknob or the crack between the door and its frame. If it feels hot, there's fire on the other side. If the door is opened, more air will enter and the fire will grow instantly. In that case, use an alternate escape route. If the door appears to be fairly cool, still use caution when opening it. Open slowly, and if any heat or smoke comes out, close it quickly and securely and proceed to another route.
5. Call for help.
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Once you're outside, check to see that everyone is there. Alert the firefighters if someone's missing. DO NOT go back into the house. They are well trained and equipped to rescue people safely. Practice your evacuation route and make sure everyone knows where they’re to meet after they’ve evacuated the house.