In Case of Fire

If you experience a fire, do not use water. Call 911 immediately. Never attempt to use water to extinguish a grease fire. While awaiting the fire department’s arrival, an all-purpose fire extinguisher can be used, but only if you have one ready and know how to use it. 

Time is of the essence when escaping a fire, so every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames, so proper escape planning will help your family get out quickly. 

More About Fire Prevention and Escape: 

·         Escape plans should be conducted at least twice per year. 

·         Make sure you have at least two ways out of every room, like the primary door and a window. 

·         Escape ladders can be used for high windows, but make sure they carry an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing. 

·         Each family member should practice feeling their way out of the house in the dark or with their eyes closed to simulate the dark, smoky conditions that exist in a fire.

·         When a fire occurs, time should never be wasted trying to save valuables and keepsakes. 

·         Crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered.  The smoke contains toxic gases which
can disorient and overcome you.

·         Use the back of your hand to feel the door to see if it’s hot, which indicates fire is on the other side, so you should use your second escape route.  If the door is cool, open it slowly.  Quickly shut the door if
smoke or heat comes in.

·         If you can’t go out the door and your window is too high to get to the ground safely, open the window and use a light colored cloth or a flashlight to signal to firefighters below so they can rescue you with a ladder.

·         Designate a meeting location away from the building that all family members are aware of.  Then one person should call 911 from a neighbor’s house.

·         Never go back into a burning building for any reason!