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Fire Safety in the Home.
Fire related deaths, injuries, and property loss continue to take
its toll in our society. Through good fire prevention programs, code
enforcement and public education, there has been a reduction in
these statistics. However, to eliminate the problem each and every
one of us needs to develop a greater awareness of fire safety and
health maintenance. Fire safety programs provided by the fire
department and other agencies help to educate children, but
reinforcement from parents and good safety practices in the home
provide the greatest benefits.
The following few hints if practiced, can reduce the risk of fire
in your home:
Develop and practice a fire escape plan. Fires spread rapidly
leaving little time to escape before smoke and toxic gases overcome
you and render you unconscious. After the smoke alarm activates,
your average escape time is three minutes.
In case fire or smoke prevents escape through the house to an
outside door, a fire escape plan should provide two ways out of each
bedroom. A special place away from the home should be designated for
family members to meet. Remember - get out and stay out - do not
return to a burning building for any reason. Practicing fire escapes
with the family can be fun and at some time, may pay big dividends.
Smoke detectors are your defense against being trapped or overcome
by smoke. There should be at least one detector on each floor. Each
detector should be checked once a month. A helpful reminder would be
a specific time each year such as in the fall when changing the
clocks back to standard time.
Fires caused by cigarettes in sleeping areas are one of Oregon’s
biggest killers of fire related deaths. Never smoke in bed. Always
check ashtrays, especially those on or near sofas and overstuffed
chairs, before going to bed.
Numerous kitchen fires have resulted from unattended pots and pans
left on the stove. Remove pans from the burner before answering the
telephone or doorbell. If cooking oil or grease in a pan catches
fire, carefully cover with a lid to smother the fire. Never try to
remove the pan or use water.
Never put extension cords under rugs. Foot traffic can damage the
cord’s insulation, possibly causing the cord to ignite. Extension
cords should be checked frequently for repairs or replacement if
frayed or cracked.
Fires occasionally start from small appliances which, while not in
use, are still connected to a current (coffee makers, toasters, and
can openers). Make a habit of unplugging small appliances after use.
Store gasoline in proper containers and limit to one gallon if
stored in a garage or other building. More house fires are
caused by heating equipment than any other cause. Use only approved
equipment. Keep combustible materials away from sources of heat.
Keep heaters, furnaces, wood stoves, and fireplaces cleaned and
operating properly. Clean chimneys and flues at least once a
year. Remove pine needles and leaves from the roof. When
removing hot ashes, put them in a metal container and set outside.
Keep portable fire extinguishers readily available in kitchens and
garages or other areas where fire risks are high.
KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTERS AWAY FROM CHILDREN.
Camping:
Before starting a camp fire, select a spot in the open away from
combustible materials such as brush, logs, and limbs. Clear an area
by removing all debris, duff and grass down to mineral soil, and
build a required rock or steel fire ring. Keep
fires small and never leave them unattended. Before leaving the
site, make sure the fire is completely extinguished by applying
water and stirring with a stick. Remember you are responsible and
can be required to assume the cost of fire suppression and property
damages resulting from escaped camp fires.
Smoking:
If you smoke while traveling through forest or range lands, stop
and clear a spot down to mineral soil before lighting up. Make sure
that cigarette is completely out before you leave the site. Never
throw cigarettes out a vehicle window.
Fireworks:
Fireworks should only be used with adult supervision and in a safe
place such as on cement, gravel, green lawn etc., and never near
combustible materials. Fireworks are illegal on National Forest
Lands, and should not be used on any other range land or forested
areas.
Barbecues:
Do not dump barbecue ashes on the ground after use. Place
ashes in a approved metal container with a lid and soak with water
and dispose of properly.
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