Fire safety is something that everyone has been taught at one time or another, but sometimes is forgotten. The information on this page is designed to make your home more fire safe.
- Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home! Check the batteries monthly, and change them twice a year. A good time to change the batteries is when you change the clocks.
- Make an emergancy plan. Be sure to include in you plan two escape routes from your house, in case one route is blocked by fire. Have a pre-determined meeting place outside the home, and make sure everyone is there.
- Have monthly fire drills. This is especially important if you have children! Make sure you practice both escape routes, and remind children to crawl along the floor to get out.
- Teach children to call 9-1-1 in case of emergency. Remind them that 9-1-1 is only for emergency.
- Have your chimney and flew inspected and cleaned on a routine basis. This will help prevent build up in the chimney and detect any cracks that may be present.
- Do not overload electrical sockets. Use surge protectors for computers, televisions, VCR's, stereos and other devices that may have to be plugged into the same socket. Use only one surge strip per plug!
- Teach children not to play with fire. Matches are very dangerous, as are lighters, and even lit cigarettes. Keep all of these items out of the reach of little hands.
- Buy a fire extinguisher for your home and learn how to use it! Small fires can be put out with extinguishers before the fire department gets there. Always call 9-1-1, even if you think the fire is out. Preventing small fires from becoming big fires may save your life and property.
- Teach children about fire. Take them to visit a fire station. Show them that firefighters are their friends. Make sure to tell them not to hide if they are trapped in a fire, and to yell for help, so that the firefighters can find them. Also, teach your children to Stop, drop, and roll
- Adults: Do Not Smoke in Bed. If you fall asleep with a lit cigarette, you could start a fire.
- If you have questions about the safety of you home, call the local fire department at a non-emergency number. Someone will talk to you, and advise you how to better protect your home and family.
- If you have a grease fire when cooking, do not put water on the fire. It will only cause the fire to spread. Try to cover the fire with a lid, to cut off the oxygen supply, or put it out with a fire extinguisher approved for that type of fire.
- Schools should be involved too! Parents: Ask your child's teacher what they to to learn about fire safety in the class room. Teachers: Schedule a visit to the local fire station so that the kids can learn about fire safety and the fire department.
There are some great teaching products out there to teach your children about fire safety. The video "Elmo Visits the Fire Station" is great for younger kids. There are also "Smokey the Bear" programs that teach kids of all ages about forest fire safety. In PA, you can get a Smokey program through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. There are also a variety of pamphlets and brocures available at local fire departments across the country. Stop in or call to learn more. In Punxsutawney, contact the Central Fire Department at (814)938-7901 or e-mail me for more information.
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