SAFETY TIPS FROM FIRE RESCUE

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12 and this year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue wants to encourage you to take the following proactive measures to prevent fires and protect your lives, homes and community.

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be in hallways outside of sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including basements. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height or call Fire Rescue for help.

• Test all smoke alarms once a month by pressing the test button to be sure the alarm is working properly. If your alarms require a 9-volt battery, make sure to replace the battery every 6 months when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

Cooking

• Do not leave stove unattended while cooking and turn it off if you must leave the kitchen.

• Always have a lid close by when you’re cooking on a stovetop. If a small fire starts on the stove, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, get out and call 9-1-1.

Home Fire Escape Planning

• Make a home fire escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Identify two ways out of each room. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.

• Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.

• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year. Practice using different ways out. Practice closing all doors on your way out.

Close Before You Doze!

• When you go to bed, a closed door can dramatically slow the spread of fire, toxic smoke, and extreme heat. During a fire a closed door can be the difference between 100° and 1000°, so be sure to close those bedroom doors at night.

Fire Extinguishers

• Have a multi-purpose, 2-A: 10-B:C, fire extinguisher on each floor of the home.

• Learn the proper use and maintenance for fire extinguishers.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

• Place carbon monoxide detectors in hallways that connect sleeping areas, with at least one detector on each level of the home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

• Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.

Tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association & the Fire Safety Research Institute. Visit NFPA.org or closeyourdoor.org for more information.