Toxic gases and heat (up to 1000 degrees) rise and can travel far ahead of the actual flames.
INSTALL SMOKE DETECTORS EVERY FLOOR,EVERY BEDROOM .
The ceiling is the best location for the detector. Change batteries when you change your clocks.
When your smoke detector sounds, you may have less than 2 minutes to get out and stay out!
NEVER GO BACK INSIDE. DON'T STOP TO CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT OR GET ANY POSSESSIONS.
THEY CAN BE REPLACED YOU CAN'T. CALL FROM A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE OR A CELL PHONE.
If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL. Stop right where you are, Drop to the ground gently, and put your hands over your face and Roll over and over until the flames are out.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
A COLORLESS, ODORLESS gas that is produced from burning any fuel. Any fuel burning appliance in your home is a possible source of CO. Carbon Monoxide is the result of INCOMPLETE COMBUSTION. Any fuel burning appliance that is not running properly can create Carbon Monoxide. Your car exhaust is a source of CO, too.
What does it do?
Carbon monoxide displaces the body's essential oxygen. Besides flu-like symptoms, it can also cause vomiting, loss of consciousness, brain damage and eventually, death. Unborn babies, infants, senior citizens and people with heart problems or breathing difficulties are especially at risk.
Do's And Don'ts
Do... Install CO detectors in your home; at least one near sleeping areas, another outside furnace room.
Do... Make sure manufacturer's instructions and local building codes are followed when installing fuel-burning appliances.
Do... Have your heating system inspected and serviced annually.
Do... If your CO detector activates, open windows, get everyone out and call for help.
Don't... Burn charcoal indoors or in a garage.
Don't... Use a gas oven for heating
Don't... Leave a car running in a garage.
Don't... Operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in a closed room.
Selecting a fire extinguisher
When burning, different materials will require different extinguishing agents. Therefore, extinguishers are labeled with the letters A, B, or C (or a combination) to designate their proper use.
(A) These fires involve wood, paper, clothing, etc. Water can be used on these fires.
(B)Some examples of these fires are gasoline, oil, or grease fires in the kitchen. Use of water on these fires will not extinguish them, but instead can make them spread.
(C)Any fires that involve electricity fall into this category. Electrical appliances, even though they may be made up of "class A" materials, are considered to be "Class C" until it is certain the electricity is off. Because water is a conductor of electricity, it should never be used on these fires.
Purchasing your extinguisher
Since all of these fire classifications may be present in the home, it is recommended that you purchase a fire extinguisher that handles all types of fires. Multipurpose Dry Chemical (ABC) Extinguishers are relatively inexpensive and are readily available at hardware or department stores.
Using A Fire Extinguisher
1) Call 911 First! A fire extinguisher is no substitute for the fire department.
Only use a fire extinguisher after you have notified the fire department.
2) Only use an extinguisher on small fires. Make sure that you can get out if the fire gets out of control.
For more information please visit
National Fire Protection Association website
