SAFETY CORNER
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Fire Safety Away from Home
s more and more families expand travel plans throughout the summer, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue in Weston wants to remind families about considering fire safety away from home. Wherever you travel, it’s important to have a plan in place to help keep you safe in the event of a fire. Knowing a few essential safety tips can help keep your family safe. A good fire escape plan should always include two ways out, a designated meeting place, and someone to call 9-1-1 or a local emergency number. While staying in a hotel, motel, or short-term rental, always choose one that is protected by smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire sprinklers. If you are hearing impared, ask for a room equipped with a light strobe smoke alarm and accessories that will alert you in the event of a fire. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the posted evacuation plan in your room. A fun game to help better prepare your family is to count the number of doors from your room to the nearest fire exit.
By Weston District Fire Chief Todd Draizin
If you encounter a situation that requires you to exit through smoke, crawl low and go to the nearest exit, knowing how many doors will help. Once outside, stay at your designated meeting place and call 9-1-1. If staying in peer-to-peer accommodations, be sure there are working smoke alarms inside and outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Review the homes posted floor plan and identify two ways out of every room. Be sure all doors/windows leading outside can be opened and select an outside meeting place. Pathways should be free of tripping hazards, and exits should not be blocked. Electrical outlets should not be overloaded, and stovetops should be clear and free of anything that can catch fire. Designate any smoking areas away from the structure and check for the availability of portable fire extinguishers. While traveling to places of public assembly, always consider a few important safety tips. Be sure to identify all possible exits from the building and ensure they are clear and accessible for emergency exit. If you notice any barriers to exit, be sure to
notify management immediately. Establish a communication plan if you are separated from family/friends and designate a meeting place in advance. If the building appears to be overcrowded or you feel unsafe, leave immediately. In the event of an emergency, react immediately. Get out, stay out and call 9-1-1. If traveling by car, consider these tips to help keep you safe. Always have vehicles serviced by qualified mechanics regularly and in advance of any travel. If you experience a fire emergency while driving, pull over as safely as possible, turn off the engine, get everyone out of the car, move at least 100 feet safely away from the vehicle, and don’t forget to call 9-1-1. If you transport gasoline in your vehicle, transport only a small amount in a certified, sealed gas container. Be sure not to store gas cans in the passenger area of the vehicle and leave windows open for ventilation.
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For more information on summer travel safety, join us for a virtual presentation on July 12th at 3:00 pm. Registration is available at bsofirerescuepubliceducation.as.me
Our City Weston / July 2021 / OurCityMedia.com / 65
