At home
There are special weeks during the year that call to you to take important steps to protect yourself. During Fire Prevention Week, we urge you to:
* Replace the batteries on your smoke alarms. Replace any smoke detectors that are 10 years old.
* Review your EDITH plan. Exit Drills for The Home could save a life.
1. Draw a floor plan of your home showing two ways out of every room, especially bedrooms. Discuss the escape routes with everyone in your home.
2. Designate a meeting place outside the home where you will gather after escaping a fire. Tell kids they must go there so you know they are safe.
3. Practice your plan. Have a fire drill with everyone participating. See if the plan really works and make adjustments if there are problems. Do it twice using different exits. Tell them to hurry but not to run. Show them how to crawl when there is smoke.
4. Caution everyone to leave without stopping for any possession or pet. They should get out, go to the meeting place, and stay there.
At work
* Keep equipment clean and in good operating condition.
* Don’t overload electrical circuits.
* Store flammable or combustible materials in appropriate containers and away from heat sources.
* Keep work, storage, and refuse areas clean and free from debris.
* Know two escape routes from your work area.
* Keep fire exits and escape routes clear.
* Observe no-smoking areas.
* Never leave an open flame unattended, even if it’s just a candle.
* Review the fire safety rules of your particular department.
* Know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
* Know how to report a fire. Report it immediately. There’s no need to check with the boss first.