Page 13 - October Sun Rays

October is Fire Prevention Month CA NEWS

Submitted by David Hubbell, OCTOBER 2017 SUNRAYS | 11
member Emergency Management Committee

Knowing what to do during a fire is important.
Compared to their share of the population, older
adults are more likely to die in home fires than
people in other age groups.

SOUND THE ALARM
Most fatal fires occur when people are sleeping. Smoke causes
people to sleep deeper, so it’s important to have an early warning
to ensure everybody wakes up.

– Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each
bedroom and outside each sleeping area.

– If anyone has hearing issues, install a smoke alarm that uses
a flashing light or vibrations.

– Interconnected alarms are best. When one sounds, all sound.
– Be sure to test the smoke alarms once a month. Batteries

should be changed twice a year.

DO THE DRILL
Conduct regular fire drills, plan an escape route and designate
a meeting place outside your home. Fire drills ensure everyone
can hear alarms.

– If possible, know two ways out of every room in your home
and two ways out of the home.

– Make sure all windows and doors open easily and are not
blocked.

– If the alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
– Keep a telephone nearby in case you are trapped by smoke

or fire.
– Have necessary items nearby: a list of medications, glasses,

walker, scooter, or cane.

FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH SMOKERS

– Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
– Wet cigarette butts before throwing them out.
– Never smoke in bed.
– Never smoke if medical oxygen is used in the home.

COOKING

– Never leave cooking areas unattended.
– Wear short or form-fitting sleeves.
– If a pan catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off burner.
– Don’t cook if drowsy.
– Have working fire extinguisher nearby.

STOP, DROP AND ROLL

– If your clothes catch on fire: Stop and drop to the ground,
cover face with your hands.

– Roll over or back and forth to put out fire.
– Use cool water for 3 to 5 minutes on the burn.
– Get immediate medical help.
For more information, visit the National Fire Protection
Association’s website at nfpa.org.

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG