FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• People who are hard of hearing or deal can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and  overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. 
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. 

CHARCOAL GRILLS

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start  the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for  outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

PROPANE GRILLS

Check the gas tank hose for leaks  before using it for the first time each  year.   Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will  release bubbles. If your grill has a gas  leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test,  and there is no flame, turn off both the  gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops,  get the grill serviced by a professional  before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you  smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the  fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and  gas off and wait at least 5 minutes  before re-lighting it.  

Fire extinguishers can help in the early stages of a fire if you are in a safe location and know what to do.  Fires are classified under five different categories according to what is burning and there are specific fire extinguishers for each class:

• Class A stands for ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth or items that turn to “ash”
• Class B stands for flammable liquids and gases or things that may “boil”
• Class C stands for electrical fires or anything that has “current” in it
• Class D stands for combustible metals such as lithium, magnesium, sodium and potassium; these fires produce “dazzling” bright white sparks
• Class K stands for cooking fires involving oils, fats or grease found in “kitchens”

All fire extinguishers are tested by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for safety and performance. They are rated based on the type of fire they will put out, and their classification is determined by the size of the fire they will put out. For example, an extinguisher that is rated 4A:20B:C indicates the following:

• The A rating is a water equivalency rating. Each A is equivalent to 1.25 gallons of water. 4A = 5 gallons of water.
• The B:C rating is equivalent to the amount of square footage the extinguisher can cover, related to the degree of training and experience of the operator. 20B:C = 20 square feet of coverage.
• C indicates it is suitable for use on electrically energized equipment.

When it comes to fire extinguisher use, remember the acronym “PASS” to explain how to use a fire extinguisher:

• P = Pull the pin out of the handle
• A = Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• S = Squeeze the handle with one hand
• S = Sweep the nozzle side to side and from front to back until the fire is out

It’s also important to note that fire extinguishers are required to be inspected and maintained. OSHA requires a monthly visual check and an annual maintenance check to help ensure they are operational and in good working order, plus hydrostatic testing every 5 to 12 years depending on the type of extinguisher.