Usfa Kids

FIRES ARE SCARY AND VERY DANGEROUS

They are loud and hot, and the smoke makes it very dark. Fires hurt and destroy things in your home. You and your family can help make your home safer from fire.

Where in your home do possible fire problems exist? What can you do to make sure that you and your family are less likely to be harmed by fire?

 

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

Never put anything over a lamp, like clothes or a blanket, not even when playing.

Don't touch radiators or heaters. Ask an adult to turn a heater on or off for you.

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

Don’t stand too close to the fireplace or a wood stove. You could get burned or your clothes could catch fire.

Never touch matches, lighters, or candles. If you see matches or lighters in a room, tell an adult right away.

 

IN THE KITCHEN

Don't cook alone or without asking an adult.

Remind your parents to turn pot handles toward the center of the stove. They should never hang over the edge where someone could bump into them and knock them off the stove.

 

AROUND ELECTRICITY

Don’t play with electrical cords.

Never stick anything into an electrical socket.

Turn off lights, stereos, TVs and other electrical equipment when you are finished using them.

Home fire safety

Fire is one of the most common disasters and causes more deaths than any other type of disaster. But fire does not have to be deadly if you take precautions and have an escape plan. Please be serious about the responsibility of planning for and practicing what to do in case of a fire.

Get together with household members to discuss and finalize a personalized Fire Plan. Practice your plan frequently. Here are some guidelines you can use in preparing your emergency plan...

Make your home fire safe

• Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure it is properly charged.
• Use the gauge or test button to check proper pressure. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, replace it or have it professionally serviced.
• Keep items away from the stove that could catch fire.
  Use safety plugs in electrical outlets, especially if you have small children.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and running cords under carpet and Furniture.

Plan your escape routes

• Draw a floor plan of your home. Determine at least 2 ways to escape from every room of your home.
• 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 would meet after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
• Once you are out, stay out!
• Know how to call for emergency assistance.

Escape safely

• If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out.
• If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.
• If you are escaping 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, call the fire department and tell them where you are.
• You can help protect yourself and your family from the dangers of fire by planning NOW for an emergency. Be smart - be safe.