 
FIRE
More than 24 million structural fires are reported annually, resulting in over $11 billion in property damage. In the United States at least 6,000 people die in fires each year and an additional 100,000 are injured. Senior citizens and children under 5 are at highest risk. In the Pacific Northwest wildland fires are a serious threat. In an average year thousands of acres are destroyed by wildland fire. Remember, in any type of fire, one of the greatest tools you can have is "common sense." Prepare yourself in advance, know where you are to go and how to get there.
- If there is a fire - evacuate and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.
- Install smoke detectors outside all sleeping areas or in each bedroom and on every level of your home, including the basement.
- Check smoke detectors on a regular basis and replace batteries twice yearly.
- Consider a residential sprinkler system.
- Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
- Learn how to turn off gas and electricity in an emergency. Never use water on an electrical fire.
- Install A-B-C type fire extinguishers; teach family members how to use them.
- If caught in smoke - drop to your hands and knees and crawl; breathe shallowly through your nose and use your blouse, shirt or jacket as a filter.
- Know the location of all exits - If you live in an apartment count the number of doorways between your apartment and the two nearest exits. Be familiar with all exits, including the windows.
- Plan your escape - Know two ways out of every room in case smoke or flames block your primary exit. Choose a meeting place outside and be sure all family members are accounted for. If someone is missing, let the fire department know. Do not go back inside. Practice your plan with all family members. Escape plans and exit drills ensure you can get out quickly when there is no time for mistakes.
- If you are forced to advance through flames - hold your breath; move quickly; cover your head and hair; keep your head down and close your eyes as much as possible.
- Smother oil and grease fires in the kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the flame if it is burning in a pan.
- If your clothes catch fire - Stop-Drop and Roll until the fire is out.
- If you are in a room and cannot escape, leave the door closed, stay low to the floor and hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window.
|