Fire Safety Tips and Advice to Keep Your

Family Safe

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Table of Contents  

Quick Reference Guide Print for your Refrigerator   Pg 3  Fire Safety for Babies and Toddlers       Pg 4 

Article Written by: American Academy of Pediatrics, NFPA, National SAFE KIDS Campaign and ZERO TO THREE

 Fire Safety for Children with Special Needs      Pg 6  Fact sheet on Highrise Fire Safety      Pg 8   Article Written by: The U.S. Fire Administration  Home Safety Checklist          Pg 9   Article Written by: American College of Emergency Physicians  Advice about Smoke Alarms        Pg 11  Teach your Children about 9­1­1       Pg 13  Candle Safety            Pg 14  Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Tips        Pg 15  Cooking Safety Tips           Pg 16  Exit Drills in the Home (E.D.I.T.H)      Pg 17  Fire Escape Plan Grid          Pg 19  Fire Extinguishers            Pg 20  Fireplace and Wood Burning Safety      Pg 22  Interactive Fire Safety Website for Kids: http://montgomerycountymd.gov/content/frs-safe/kids/index.asp       

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3 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

For your Refrigerator

PREPARE — MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER FROM FIRE.  

• Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet. • Prevent fires by practicing and teaching fire safe behaviors in your home. Keep children 3 feet away

from the stove when cooking, don’t overload outlets, have your heating systems checked annually and use deep ashtrays and soak the ashes in water, if you smoke.

• Fireplace and wood-stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days after a fire. It is important to learn how to dispose of fireplace and wood-stove ashes properly.

• When using candles make sure you are handling them properly and be aware of candle safety. • Your children should know that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. Make sure your child knows his or

her home address so he can tell the operator.

PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY — ESPECIALLY YOUR HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN.  

• It is critical that every household have a step-by-step plan for escaping a fire and practice it by having a "Home Fire Drill" at least twice a year.

• Remember, your primary route should be the quickest, most direct way out. The secondary route should be the next safest, most direct path out.

• Go outside to see if your house number is clearly visible from the street. • Escape first and then call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house. • Get out and stay out. • Crawl low under smoke. • Remember - children sleep very deeply.

PREVENT THE UNTHINKABLE.

SMOKE ALARMS

• In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. • It’s important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least

once a year. Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• Type A Fire Extinguisher- for fires that need a substance like water to cool burning materials down below ignition level. (Burning paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and plastics.)

• Type BC Extinguisher- contains chemicals that fight: (1) Class B fires (flammable liquids, gases and greases), and (2) Class C fires (energized electrical equipment, electrical fire and burning wires.) The BC extinguisher never contains water because water conducts electricity and spreads burning oils or solvents.

• Type ABC Extinguisher- multi-purpose extinguishers that fight all three types of fires. • Extinguishers should be on walls no higher than five feet from the floor and near the exit and hazard

areas • Determine the hazard areas in your home, office, or other commonly used dwelling.

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4  A FACT SHEET ON FIRE SAFETY FOR BABIES AND

TODDLERS

Children under age 5 are twice as likely as the rest of us to die in a fire. Each year, thousands of children are injured or killed in home fires, and 40 percent of them are under age five. To help protect babies and toddlers from the devastating effects of fire, the United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has begun a national public safety campaign. USFA is working with the American Academy of Pediatrics, NFPA, National SAFE KIDS Campaign and ZERO TO THREE to deliver this important message to parents and those who care for children under age 5: PREPARE — make your home safer from fire. PRACTICE fire safety — especially your home fire escape plan. PREVENT THE UNTHINKABLE. When it comes to your family’s smallest members, remember: Love alone won’t save them. Practicing fire safety will. Children and Fire FACT: Matches, lighters, and other heat sources are the leading causes of fire-related deaths for children under age 5. In fact, toddlers actually cause a large number of home fires by playing with lighters and matches. Children have a natural curiosity about fire and you can’t underestimate their ability to strike matches or start a lighter.

What you can do: • Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet. • Teach toddlers to tell you when they find a match or a lighter. • Remember that even child-resistant lighters are not childproof, and store them safely. • When a child is curious about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly and firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults to use carefully.  

• Never use matches or lighters as amusement. Children may imitate you. • Prevent fires by practicing and teaching fire safe behaviors in your home. Keep children 3 feet away from the stove when cooking, don’t overload outlets, have your heating systems checked annually and use deep ashtrays and soak the ashes in water, if you smoke.

Smoke Alarms

FACT: Two-thirds of home fires that kill children occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. When fire breaks out, you have only seconds to escape its heat, black smoke and deadly gases. Families can dramatically increase the chances of surviving a fire simply by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms. Most hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores sell smoke alarms and their batteries. Some local fire departments offer smoke alarms at little or no cost. What you can do: • Install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. • Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. • If you keep the door of your baby’s bedroom closed, keep a working smoke alarm in the room and use a baby monitor so you can hear if the alarm sounds. • When your children are ready, familiarize them with the sound of the smoke alarm. Teach them that when one goes off, they must leave the home and go outside to the designated family meeting spot.

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Home Fire Escape Plan ■ When you have babies and toddlers in the home, these extra escape options are necessary:

• Keep a baby harness by the crib in case of emergencies. The harness, worn like a body brace, allows you to comfortably carry your baby and leave your hands free to escape the home. • Keep your child’s bedroom door closed. If a hallway fire occurs, a closed door will hinder smoke from overpowering your baby or toddler, giving firefighters extra time for rescue. • Teach toddlers not to hide from firefighters. Uniforms can be scary in times of crisis. Teach children that firefighters are there to help in an emergency. • If you have older children too, have them practice crawling, touching doors, or going to the window, according to your escape plan.

FACT: Most of the families who have fire escape plans do not practice them. Consider that it takes just a few minutes, sometimes only seconds, for a fire to spread out of control. Then consider the difference that a well-rehearsed fire escape plan can make. Children as young as 3 can follow a fire escape plan that they have practiced often, and it can mean the difference between life and death.

What you can do:

• Draw a basic diagram of your home, marking all windows and doors, and plan two routes out of each room. • Consider various fire scenarios, from easiest to most difficult. Imagine a fire starting and spreading from your kitchen, from the base-ment, and from the hallway outside your bedroom. Develop your escape plan with options for a safe escape in each scenario. • If you are escaping smoke, crawl low under the smoke. Touch doors to see if they are hot before opening. If so, use the alternative escape route.

• Designate a safe meeting point outdoors and teach your children never to go back inside the house. • Practice your fire escape plans regularly— at least twice a year, more often is better. Include a strategy for times when one parent is out of the home. • When practicing the fire escape plan, show children how to cover their nose and mouth to reduce smoke inhalation. • Keep exits clear of debris or toys.

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6 FIRE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Nine million or 13% of U.S. children under the age of 18, have a special health care need. Children with developmental disabilities, both physical and psychological, have higher rates of unintentional injury. Additionally, there are 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans who are unable to rely on the warning sound of a smoke alarm to alert them of a fire. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue encourages all children to be taught fire safety and most importantly, all family members and caregivers should plan for a fire and practice fire safety skills regularly. Plan Fire can occur at any time, in any place. Develop plans for children with special needs who may need to evacuate their home, school, church or other frequently visited locations. For children in wheelchairs, an accessible exit is critical. If the child needs help exiting the building, make sure he/she has more than one person identified and trained to assist them in the event of fire. Contact your child's school and learn your child's fire escape plan. Does this plan include help planned for your child? If your child has any life-sustaining medical or mobility requirement, include steps in your plan to make sure that equipment is available after an evacuation. If your child cannot clearly hear warning sounds and smoke alarms, consider installing a flashing smoke alarm on every level of your home and/or a vibrating smoke alarm where your child sleeps or rests. Teach All children learn differently. Some may require pictures, sign language, verbal or physical repetition. Others may learn by touch or by modeling the behavior of others who practice fire safety techniques. Decide how your child learns best and tailor your teaching about fire safety and fire escape plans and other ways to stay safe during a fire using these methods. Teach your child how to dial 9-1-1 and how to provide information for emergency personnel. Montgomery County 9-1-1 dispatch is also TTY/TDD equipped. Teach your child to stay low in smoke. If he/she is unable to lower themselves to the ground to crawl, teach a responsible adult how to help them get to the floor and onto a blanket. The adult should also remain low in the smoke and use the blanket to pull the child through the building to safety. Another option for a child who cannot crawl is to teach them to use a scooter board to escape a dangerous situation. If your child uses a wheelchair and his clothes or hair catch on fire, teach him how to lock his wheelchair, drop out of the wheelchair and onto the floor and to roll back and forth to smother the flames. If there is an adult present and the child or adult has a fire smothering blanket, this can also be used to smother the flames. Practice Test all smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Contact the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (240-777-2463) for more information on smoke alarms for the hearing impaired, installation of regular smoke alarms and free home safety checks. Make sure that children with disabilities are included in fire safety education at school and practice the information learned (in an adapted format) at home.

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7 Practice a Home Fire Drill with your child at least twice a year. Identify a person in your family who is responsible for helping your child with special needs escape in a fire. This person and a designated back-up person should regularly practice making a safe escape with your child. Practice dialing 9-1-1 with your child to ensure that there is a plan in place to convey emergency information. Deaf and Hard of Hearing The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages the hearing impaired and special needs population and their caregivers to practice the following precautionary steps:

• For children in wheelchairs, an accessible exit is critical. The fire department should be notified of the presence of a child who has a disability in the home.

• Contact the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm if you live in Montgomery County, Maryland or call 240-777-2476.

• Install a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test all smoke alarms monthly and change batteries at least once a year.

• Make sure a TTY/TDD phone (if used) is next to your bed, within arm's reach. Keep emergency telephone numbers and hearing aids (if necessary) close by.

• Be sure to inform family members, the building manager, or a neighbor of your fire safety plan and practice it with them. Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency telephone (use appropriate TTY devices if necessary) and explain your special needs.

• Request emergency providers to keep your special needs information on file.

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8 A FACTSHEET ON HIGHRISE FIRE SAFETY

• If there is no smoke in the hallway or stairwells, follow your building’s evacuation plan. • If you don’t hear the building’s fire alarm, pull the nearest fire alarm “pull station” while exiting the floor. • If you encounter smoke or flames on your way out, immediately return to your apartment or office.

Recent fatal fires in highrise structures have prompted Americans to rethink fire safety. A key to fire safety for those who live and work in these special structures is to practice specific highrise fire safety and prevention behaviors. The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would like you to know there are simple fire safety steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property in highrise fires.

Be prepared for a highrise fire emergency

If the door is warm to the touch

After a highrise fire emergency

• Once you are out of the building, STAY OUT! Do not go back inside for any reason. • Tell the fire department if you know of anyone trapped in the building. • Only enter when the fire department tells you it is safe to do so.

• Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding or tape and cover vents to keep smoke out. • If there is a phone in the room where you are trapped, call the fire department again to tell them exactly where you are located. Do this even if you can see fire apparatus on the street below. • Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or by waving a sheet. • If possible, open the window at the top and bottom, but do not break it, you may need to close the window if smoke rushes in. • Be patient. Rescuing all the occupants of a highrise building can take several hours.

Before you try to leave your apartment or office, feel the door with the back of your hand. If the door feels warm to the touch, do not attempt to open it. Stay in your apartment or office.

• Never lock fire exits or doorways, halls or stairways. Fire doors provide a way out during the fire and slow the spread of fire and smoke. Never prop stairway or other fire doors open. • Learn your building evacuation plan. Make sure everyone knows what to do if the fire alarm sounds. Plan and practice your escape plan together. • Be sure your building manager posts evacuation plans in high traffic areas, such as lobbies. • Learn the sound of your building’s fire alarm and post emergency numbers near all telephones. • Know who is responsible for maintaining the fire safety systems. Make sure nothing blocks these devices and promptly report any sign of damage or malfunction to the building management.

Do not panic in the event of a highrise emergency

• Do not assume anyone else has already called the fire department. • Immediately call your local emergency number. Early notification of the fire department is important. The dispatcher will ask questions regarding the emergency. Stay calm and give the dispatcher the information they request.

If the door is not warm to the touch

• If you do attempt to open the door, brace your body against the door while staying low to the floor and slowly open it a crack. What you are doing is checking for the presence of smoke or fire in the hallway.

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HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

Bathroom Safety Tips

• Use nonskid bath mats on bathroom floors and in bathtubs and showers. • Keep floor, wall, and fixtures clear of water, soap, and other residues. • Don’t operate electrical appliances (electric clocks, radios, hair dryers) near water-filled sinks and other water sources. Unplug appliances when not in use. • Use nightlights. • Never leave young children alone in a bathroom.

Help prevent injuries in your home. Begin with this checklist:

Keep emergency numbers on every telephone in your home. Include numbers for your family physician and pediatrician, regional Poison Control Center, and if 911 is not in your area, fire department, police department, and ambulance service.

• Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street. • Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes a first-aid manual and up-to-date medical records for every member of the family. Make lists of medications (including dosages) and allergies for each family member. Review them periodically, and replace supplies as they are used or expire. • Buy medicines and other household products with child-resistant caps. Be sure to keep these and other materials that are unsafe for children out of their reach. • Have and rehearse an emergency evacuation plan in case of fire or other emergency.

Kitchen Safety Tips  • When cooking, use back burners and keep pot handles turned inward. • Set refrigerator temperature between 35˚ Fahrenheit and 40˚ F and the freezer at or below 0˚ F. • Never leave perishable food unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, and less during hot weather. • Always wash cutting boards, knives, other utensils, and counter surfaces that have been used to prepare raw meats before reusing; also allow them to dry before reusing. • Adequately ventilate the area above a cooking surface.  

How safe is your home? Most homes could probably be made safer, especially if children live there. Your family will be healthier and safer if you practice prevention and prepare for emergencies. First, “hazard proof” your home using the following checklist developed by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Next, take a first aid course and learn to recognize the warning signs of an emergency, and learn CPR.

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General Safety Tips • Install smoke detectors and replace batteries twice a year. • Place at least one fire extinguisher on every floor, near exits and in full view; train household members in their use. Inspect fire extinguisher gauges every few months, and practice fire drills several times a year. Have a fire escape ladder on each upper floor. • Install carbon monoxide detectors; replace the batteries twice a year. • Eliminate clutter. • Set your hot water thermostat to no more than 125˚ F. • Never store chemicals or medicines in food containers; always keep them in original containers. • Be sure windows are secure. Install window guards to keep children from falling. Be sure windows unlock and open easily; never paint bedroom windows shut. • Keep electrical cords out of reach of children. • Be sure child-resistant safety latches are on all cabinets and drawers containing harmful substances. These include medications, cleaning supplies, paint, insecticides, and adult beverages. • Purchase toys appropriate for your child’s age. In homes with more than one child, be aware that older children’s toys may be hazardous for younger ones. Keep toys with small parts and other small objects out of reach of toddlers and young children. • Keep combustible materials away from space-heaters and wood stoves. • If you have firearms, store them unloaded and locked. Store ammunition locked away and separate from firearms.

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11 ADVICE ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS

In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape. Why Should My Home Have Smoke Alarms?

In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

What Types of Smoke Alarms Are Available? There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms. In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

Okay, Where Do I Put Them? Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Where Would I Get Smoke Alarms? Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on a nonemergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.

Are Smoke Alarms Hard to Install? If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical system, you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements. For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions because there are differences between the various brands. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.

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Helpful Tip Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it. How Do I Keep My Smoke Alarm Working?

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries: 1. Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit

according to manufacturer’s instructions. 2. In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once

per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years. 3. In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and

replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

What if the Alarm Goes Off While I’m Cooking? Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a “hush” button that silences nuisance alarms.

How Long will my Smoke Alarm Last? Most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.

Anything Else I Should Know? Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard-wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. It’s important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.

The U.S. Fire Administration would like to remind you of some important fire safety and prevention information.

• Plan and practice escape plans several times a year. • Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers. • Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher. • Install carbon monoxide detectors. • Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency phone number if you need help or have questions about fire safety in your home.

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13 TEACH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT 911

In an emergency, would your children know how to call for help? The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offers the following tips to help children as young as three learn all about 911:

• Always refer to the number as "nine-one-one" not "nine-eleven." In an emergency your child may be confused when they can't find the "eleven" button on your telephone.

• Make sure your child knows his or her home address so he can tell the operator. • Children should be told that the operator is their friend and may ask them questions such as where

they live, what kind of emergency they have and who needs help. • Your children should know that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. Give them examples of what

constitutes and emergency and explain to them that 9-1-1 is not a toy or game but should be called if the person thinks they need the help of the fire department or the police department.

• Remind your child that in most cases, help will have already been dispatched before the call is complete and not to be concerned that their answers are too long or the length of time you are on the phone is delaying the arrival of assistance.

• All 9-1-1 operators are trained to obtain as much information as possible from you while simultaneously arranging for emergency equipment to be sent to your emergency. The operator may give you instructions to assist the sick or injured person prior to the arrival of emergency services.

• When reporting a fire, remind your children to "Get Out and Stay Out" and ALWAYS call 9-1-1 from a safe location such as a neighbor's house.

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14 CANDLE SAFETY

Reported home candle fires have tripled in recent years. According to the NFPA during 2001, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 190 civilian deaths, 1,450 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $265 million. In fact, two-fifths (41%) of the home candle fires start in the bedroom. Please follow these safety tips while using candles in the home:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. • Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g., clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas

trees, flammable decorations, etc.). • Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and

are large enough to collect dripping wax. • Don't place lit candles in windows. Blinds and curtains can easily ignite. • Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where they

could be knocked over by children or pets. • Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids. • Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish candles when they get to within two

inches of the holder or decorative material. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

• Avoid candles with decorative items embedded in them.

Candles & children and pets: • Keep candles up high out of reach of children and pets. • Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. A child should not sleep in a room with a lit

candle. • Do not allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms. • Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked

cabinet.

During power outages: • Use flashlights for emergency lighting during a power outage. Never use candles. • Try to avoid carrying a lit candle and don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined

space. • Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene

heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes. • Remember, A candle is an open flame. It can easily ignite any combustible material nearby.

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CLOTHES DRYER FIRE SAFETY TIPS While most home appliances are used without incident, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually, causing an average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage. A lack of maintenance, buildup of lint, placing inappropriate items in the dryer and inadequate venting are frequently cited as contributing factors. Did You Know?

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 15,500 clothes dryer fires occur annually, causing an average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage.

• Eighty-percent of American homes have clothes dryers. • A full load of wet clothes placed in a dryer contains about one half gallon of water. As the clothes

dry, lint forms and builds up, reducing airflow in the dryer's vent, potentially causing the dryer to work improperly or overheat.

Clothes Dryer DOs: • DO clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying EACH load of clothes. • DO clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. • DO have a certified service technician clean and inspect the dryer and venting system regularly. • DO replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting, which provides

maximum airflow. • DO keep the area around the dryer clean and free from clutter. • Always use the appropriate electrical outlet for dryers and all major appliances.

Clothes Dryer DON'Ts:

• DON'T place clothing or fabric stained with a flammable substance, such as alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers or motor oil, in the dryer. Flammable substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode. Instead, dry the materials outdoors.

• DON'T leave a dryer operating if you are not home. • DON'T forget to read the manufacturer warnings in the user manual and on the inside of the dryer

door. • DON'T dry any item containing foam, rubber or plastic, such as bathroom and non-slip rugs and

athletic shoes. • DON'T dry any item that contains glass fiber materials, such as a blouse or sweater with glass

buttons or decorations. • DON'T overload the dryer with wet clothes.

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16 COOKING SAFETY TIPS

• Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside

the oven. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. Three in every 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen - more than any other place in the home.

• Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (i.e. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).

• Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a three-foot (one-meter) "kid/pet-free zone" around the stove.

• Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped and children can't grab them. • Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite. • Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto

stove burners and catch fire. • Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated. • Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an

oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. You may also use baking soda. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.

• If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

• Never leave a child unattended in the kitchen. Close supervision is essential, whether children are helping an adult cook or simply watching.

• If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave - If safe to do so. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location. Remember that food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings carefully to prevent steam burns.

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

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17 EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME (E.D.I.T.H.)

Being ready is the key to surviving a home fire. There are three things YOU can do to protect your family. They are simple, but they are very important. Do them now, before fire strikes.

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. 2. Test smoke alarms monthly to be sure they are working and replace batteries at least once a year. If

your smoke alarm makes a "chirping sound" - replace the battery immediately. 3. Plan and practice home fire drills.

Make a Home Escape Plan! Fire strikes quickly, often in the middle of the night while your family is asleep. Establish a plan now for evacuating each member of your family. Then, if fire does strike, everyone will know what to do and where to go. One of the ways to keep your family safe is by practicing E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home). Many injuries are caused by people of all ages reacting improperly when there is a fire in their home. They may be affected by smoke, disoriented by being awakened abruptly and frightened. It is critical that every household have a step-by-step plan for escaping a fire and practice it by having a "Home Fire Drill" at least twice a year. Remember, your primary route should be the quickest, most direct way out. For example, through the front door to your meeting place or through a window to a roof or balcony where you can safely wait for help. The secondary route should be the next safest, most direct path out. For example, through the window of the room next door. Unless your children are infants, don't have them wait for your help. In a fire, parents may be blocked from their children's bedrooms by smoke or flames. As soon as they are able, each child should know how to escape a fire and be taught to do so as soon as he or she smells smoke or hears the sound of the smoke alarm. Practice your plan with a HOME FIRE DRILL.

Make sure everyone understands what to do and assess each escape route realistically to be sure it can be used in an emergency. Walk through the primary and alternative escape routes, ensuring that all exits are accessible to all members of your household. For example, will windows open easily? Are ropes and ladders required to escape from second-story windows? (If you choose to have escape ladders, always practice using a ground floor window). Practice your plan at night because things look very different in the dark. If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have quick-release mechanisms operational from the inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Quick-release mechanisms won't compromise your security, but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.

Go outside to see if your house number is clearly visible from the street. Numbers must be visible to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home. In Montgomery County, Maryland existing residential home numbering can be 3 1/2 inches high, however new residential homes must be at least 5 inches high and if you replace existing numbers they must be at least 5 inches high. Numbers should be placed on a contrasting background, with a reflective coating on the numbers for easy visibility at night.

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18 Escape first and then call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.

In the event of a fire, do not stop for anything. Do not try to rescue possessions or pets. Closing doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape. Go directly to your meeting place and then call the fire department from a neighbor's phone. Every member of your household should know how to call the fire department.

Get out and stay out. Once you are out of your home, do not go back for any reason. If people are trapped, firefighters have the best chance of rescuing them. The heat and smoke of a fire are overpowering. Firefighters have the training, experience and protective equipment needed to enter burning buildings. Establish a meeting place outside your house and everyone should proceed to this location immediately to take attendance and make sure everyone has escaped.

Crawl low under smoke. Smoke contains deadly gases and heat rises. During a fire, cleaner air will be near the floor. Teach your family that in a fire they must stay low to the floor to avoid smoke and intense heat. If you encounter smoke when using your primary exit, use your alternate escape plan. If you must exit through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor. Revise your escape plan as circumstances change in your household. Make sure everyone including young children, older adults and people with disabilities are included.

Remember - children sleep very deeply. Adults need to make sure that children know the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if they hear it. You can find out who can hear the smoke alarm if you have a fire drill when everyone else is sleeping. If anyone in your home does not wake to the smoke alarm or requires assistance getting out, plan to designate an adult to help them escape.

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19 

FIRE ESCAPE PLAN GRID

Create a floor plan of your home using the grid below. Draw a floor plan of your home, including all windows and doors, and label each sleeping area. Indicate all working smoke alarms, which should be located on every floor of your home and outside of sleeping areas. Plan two routes of escape from every room and mark your family meeting spot, located safely away from your home. Post the escape plans on each level of your home and in locations where overnight guests and caretakers can easily see it. Most importantly, PRACTICE your fire escape plan regularly.

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20 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

A - Trash, Wood, Paper Type B - Flammable Liquids Type C - Electrical Fires Information about fire extinguishers A fire extinguisher is your best defense against fires that have just begun to burn - IF you are properly trained and feel comfortable using them. Fire extinguishers can:

• give you enough time to escape from a burning structure. • put out fires completely if used properly.

Not using the correct type of extinguisher can make the fire spread. It is crucial to know the type of fire you are trying to put out before you attempt to use an extinguisher. If you have any doubt - GET OUT. Pull any fire alarms (if applicable) on the way out. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location! Proper locations for fire extinguishers Fire extinguishers should be located in rooms that the family gets the most use out of. They should always be in plain sight and easily accessible. Do not conceal them behind curtains, under tables, in a closet, or on the ground. At least one extinguisher should be kept on each floor of your household. They should also be kept in basements and garages.

• Extinguishers should be on walls no higher than five feet from the floor and near the exit and hazard areas

• Determine the hazard areas in your home, office, or other commonly used dwelling.

Fire extinguisher guidelines Only attempt to extinguish fires when they are small - no larger than a small trash can! Time is valuable. Keep time on your side by knowing what's what and where to find it. Remember, fire can double in size approximately every sixty seconds.

• Call the fire department, by dialing 911, from a safe location. • Fire extinguishers should be maintained and ready for use at all times. • Pressure gauges and carbon dioxide containers should be checked monthly. If your extinguisher does

not have a pressure gauge be sure to get one that does • All containers should be checked on a regular basis by all family members. Make it apart of

everyday life. • Proper training, conducted by trained professionals is the key to correct use of an extinguisher

Keep detailed records. Always keep track of usage and service of your fire extinguisher. Records can also be helpful after a fire incident. Insurance companies may ask questions about extinguishers and their history. Keep your fire extinguisher serviced and maintained properly. Know the proper signs and symbols of fire extinguishers. Research the best kind of fire extinguisher(s) you might need for your home or office. Most fire extinguishers have universal symbols and/or pictograph systems. This helps classify which extinguisher fights a certain kind of fire.

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21 Different types of fires use different types of extinguishers Buying an extinguisher can be confusing. Each contains substances that extinguish different classes of fires. Some are multi-purpose extinguishers that can be used for more than one kind of fire:

• Type A Fire Extinguisher- for fires that need a substance like water to cool burning materials down

below ignition level. (Burning paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and plastics.) • Type BC Extinguisher- contains chemicals that fight: (1) Class B fires (flammable liquids, gases and

greases), and (2) Class C fires (energized electrical equipment, electrical fire and burning wires.) The BC extinguisher never contains water because water conducts electricity and spreads burning oils or solvents.

• Type ABC Extinguisher- multi-purpose extinguishers that fight all three types of fires.

REMEMBER the basics of using extinguishers. Make sure you place yourself in a position to safely exit the area if you need to get out fast! Have the fire in front of you and your back to an exit so you can back out - DO NOT turn your back on a fire! Remember to NEVER go past a burning fire to retrieve an extinguisher. You may end up trapping yourself!

Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep

The safety pin at The nozzle, horn, or hose Or press the handle. From side to side at the base of the top the extinguisher. at the base of the flames. the fire until it goes out.

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22 FIREPLACE AND WOOD BURNING SAFETY

Fireplace and wood-stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days after a fire. It is important to learn the following ways to dispose of fireplace and wood-stove ashes properly:

• DO NOT discard your ashes into any combustible container like a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.

• DO put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid. • DO pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool. • DO keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from combustibles. • DO teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.

As always, please make sure you test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Practice and plan a family home escape plan.