KNOW YOUR WAY OUT

September 2007

· Have working smoke detectors that will wake you when sleeping.

· Be sure everyone knows two ways out of every bedroom.

· Sleep with bedroom doors closed. This will protect you from smoke traveling through your home.

· Be sure windows open easily from the inside, allowing for a speedy escape.

· Never use the elevator in the event of a fire emergency. If you are unable to use the stairs to evacuate wait in your apartment and call 911.

· Designate a meeting place where everyone in your family can  meet once outside.

· Call 9-1-1 from a safe phone once outside.

Make certain everyone understands that once out of the building no one is to re-enter without the permission of the fire department.
When the fire alarm sounds what do you do? A fire can quickly fill the halls of your home with smoke and poisonous gases, making them dark and dangerous, especially if you do not know what to do. Having a home fire escape plan is an important part of your safety when a fire starts. The following checklist will help you make a home fire escape plan.
Plug into the Facts
Electricity is there to help brew your morning coffee, operate your computer, heat your home, and run your television. We use electricity so often that we seldom think about the dangers.

Take a moment to think about how often you depend upon electricity and answer the following questions. Every question you answer with "no", is an opportunity for you to make your home a safer

· Are heat producing electrical appliances unplugged when you are not using them?

· Are electrical cords in good condition, not frayed or cracked?

· Are electrical outlets overloaded in your home?

· Are electrical cords kept out from beneath furniture and rugs?

· Do all outlets and light switches work?

Never use water on an electrical fire, you could get shocked. If the fire is small, turn the power off and use a multi-purpose (ABC) dry-chemical extinguisher to put out the fire. If you can't turn the power off, or the fire is large, evacuate your home and dial 9-1-1 from a safe phone.