Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter
FIRE SAFETY
Prevention
Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 20,000 are injured
in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is
estimated at $10 billion annually.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire.
Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone
call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a
residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling
the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that
make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you
may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths,
exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.
Smoke Alarms
  • Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your
    chances of dying in a fire by half.

  • Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence. Place them
    outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from
    ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs
    and near (but not in) the kitchen.

  • Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at
    least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.
Planning Your Escape

  • Review escape routes with your family. Practice escaping from each
    room.

  • Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security
    gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be
    easily opened from the inside.

  • Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level,
    and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block
    outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.

  • Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a
    fire) when escaping from a fire.
Preventing fire

Cooking

  • Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading
    cause of fire injuries.

  • Deaths due to fires caused by cooking are particularly preventable.

  • Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.

  • Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.

  • Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and heating
    elements.

  • Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.

  • If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it. Never
    throw water on a grease fire.

  • Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. Use extra caution
    when preparing deep-fried foods.

  • Never use the range or oven to heat your home.

  • Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make
    sure all small appliances are turned off.

Flammable Items

  • Never use gasoline, benzine, naptha, or similar flammable liquids indoors.

  • Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage
    areas.

  • Never smoke near flammable liquids.

  • Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids
    after you have used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal
    container.

  • Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should be
    at least three feet higher than the roof. Remove branches hanging above
    and around the chimney.

Heating Sources

  • Be careful when using alternative heating sources.

  • Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene
    heaters in your community. Be sure to fill kerosene heaters outside, and be
    sure they have cooled.

  • Place heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure
    the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated.

  • Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and follow manufacturer's
    instructions.

  • Store ashes in a metal container outside and away from your residence.

  • Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items.

  • Keep a screen in front of the fireplace.

  • Have heating units inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.

Matches and Smoking

  • Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children, and, if possible, in
    a locked cabinet.

  • Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. Provide smokers with
    deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before
    disposal.

Electrical Wiring

  • Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.

  • Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.

  • Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.

  • Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic
    areas.

  • Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or
    three appliances, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers to
    prevent sparks and short circuits.

  • Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.

Other

  • Sleep with your door closed.

  • Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family
    members how to use them.

  • Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.

  • Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and
    prevention.
For more information on fire safety and
prevention, please contact the
Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter of the
American Red Cross at 814-765-5516
or 814-849-2712.
If you would like the Red Cross to come speak
to your social group, school, daycare or other
organization about fire safety, please contact
Kristy at the Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter of the
American Red Cross at 814-765-5516 or
814-849-2712 or via email at
esd@clearfieldjeffersonredcross.org