Educate your children about fire safety!

Unfortunately, children are the ones who fall victims to fire due to lack of education. Please discuss these topics with your loved ones!

Devising A Plan

• Draw a complete floor plan of your home.
• Indicate all doors and windows.
• Map out two escape routes from every room in your home.
• Choose a safe meeting place outside the house where everyone knows they will meet in a fire emergency.
• Practice your escape route twice a year.
• Check your windows to see if they operate properly.
• Purchase a chain ladder to exit from upper levels.
• Get outside and stay outside!

In a fire emergency the best place to be is outside!

Preventing Fires

Smoke Detectors

• Place smoke detectors near bedrooms and on every floor.
• Test the batteries monthly & replace them at least twice a year.
• WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR CLOCK, CHANGE THE BATTERY IN YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR     
• Place smoke detectors at least 4 to 6 inches away from corners.

Kitchen Fire Safety

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep lose fitting clothing away from burners.
• Keep cooking area clean and free of grease build up.
• Keep items away from the stove that could catch fire, such as paper towels, cereal boxes, and dish towels.
• Remember to turn stove off and unplug small appliances before leaving your home.

Safe Smoking Habits

• Smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires in this country!
• Never smoke in bed.
• Keep ashtrays from upholstered furniture and curtains.
• Never leave burning cigarettes unattended.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Alternative Heaters

• Use heaters only in well ventilated areas.
• Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.
• Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, furniture and anything that could get hot and catch fire away from portable heaters.
• Plug heaters directly into the wall socket and unplug them when they are not in use.

Wood Stoves And Fire Places

• Always use a protective screen.
• Clean interiors, hearths, and chimneys annually.
• Never leave children unattended around any heating source!

Children And Fire Safety

• Teach children that fire fighters are their friends, and will help them in a fire emergency.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Make sure children know how to call for emergency assistance.
• Teach children how to " Stop, Drop and Roll" if their clothes catch on fire.

For more information regarding fire safety or available educational programs, please call Patrica Dempsey or Carol Yaros at (813) 274-8241 or (813) 274-8240 respecitvely.