We know that the lives of you and your family are the most important things in the world to you.  These tips may help you save yourself and them in case of a house fire.

Raise the Alarm.  When you detect fire or smoke shout to warn the other occupants.  Children and older people will need help.  Don’t waste time getting dressed or trying to gather personal possessions, even in winter.  Your neighbors can provide you with the means to stay warm.  Never waste time trying to extinguish anything other than a very small fire.

A Hot Door is a warning.  Never open a door without first checking it for heat.  If it is warm, leave it closed and go out a window.  If this is impossible, wait by a window or on a balcony for rescue.  Place bedding or towels at

door cracks to keep smoke out.

Heat and Deadly Gases are the main killers.  Even a small fire is dangerous.  The open interior stairs in the single family home may become a chimney allowing heat and smoke to rise to the highest floor level.  If you can’t leave an upper room by a window, close the door and wait by the window for rescue.

Tell the Fire Fighters if anyone remains in the building.  Leave rescue operations to them, unless you can safely raise a ladder or help anyone down from a window or roof before help arrives.

Never Go Back into a burning building for any reason whatsoever.  Many lives are lost through the deadly effects of fumes, even from small fires.  Never risk a life in an attempt to save personal possessions.

Remember:  An hour of pre-planning may save years of life.  Make regular fire drills a family affair.  A smoke alarm on each level of your house will provide early warning of fire.  The cleanest air is between 18 and 24 inches from the floor.  A closed door provides some protection against fire or fumes.  Keep basement or utility room doors closed at all times, and close all doors at bedtime.  Keep the fire department number near your phone and memorize it.  If you phone in an alarm, give your address first, in case your call is interrupted.  Check your home for fire hazards and eliminate them as you find them.  Consult us about adding fire and smoke detectors to your alarm system for added security.  Your fire department will be glad to advise you on any questions of fire safety for your home.

Don't put yourself in the position of saying “I should have!” If you don’t have fire detection as part of your monitored system, add it now!