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EDITH (Exit Drill In The Home)

Everyone needs to have a plan of escape in case of an emergency.

Designate one adult to be in charge of drawing a floor plan.

All members of the family should visit each room and pick two ways out--one normal way out and an emergency route through a different door or window.

Draw a picture of each floor in your home. Show where rooms, doors, windows, halls and stairs are. Color regular escape routes in with black pen and emergency routes in with red pen.

Put the escape plan in an area in the home where everyone can see them daily as a reminder of what to do in a fire emergency.

Decide on a meeting place outside the house such as near a mailbox or a tree at a neighbor’s house (make sure your meeting place is not too close to the house or in a place that would put you in the way of responding firefighters). Make sure everyone knows the spot and stays there.

Now EDITH is a part of your family!

CARBON MONOXIDE
“The Silent Killer”

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Unfortunately, because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless, CO can kill you before you are aware that it is at dangerous levels in your home.

Deaths could be avoided by simply installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially outside all sleeping areas. Why not take an extra step and put one inside every bedroom.

Symptoms are often mistaken for illness. If someone in your household exhibits any of the following symptoms, don’t assume it is an illness.
• Mild symptoms include slight headache, nausea, fatigue (often described as flu-like symptoms).
• More serious symptoms include severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, vomiting and fast heart rate. These symptoms can quickly become worse and cause a person to become an unconscious patient within a short period of time.
• See if the sick person feels better when moved to fresh air. If they do feel better, assume CO is the reason and stay out and call the fire department!

What to do if the alarm sounds:

• If the alarm sounds, silence it by hitting the reset button.
• Move all occupants outside.
• Once outside, call 911-Many people feel bad about “bothering” the fire department. Don’t second-guess yourself. Firefighters are here to protect you! They will come with special meters to check the CO levels in your home and to find the source where it is coming from. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Tell the dispatcher that your CO alarm has sounded and/or people have symptoms of possible CO poisoning.
• Do not re-enter the building until the fire department says it’s safe to do so.

SAFETY SLOGANS TEACH CHILDREN

“FIRE IS FAST, BUT YOU HAVE TO BE FASTER!”

Help children understand that fires spread very quickly and that their #1 job is to get out as quickly and safely as possible. (Note to parents-having an escape plan will help children know what to do and, therefore, speed their escape.)

“STAY LOW AND GO!”

Smoke and heat rises. Therefore, the best air to breath is close to the floor. Teach children to get down on the floor to find the cleanest air possible and to crawl out as fast as they can.

“DON’T HIDE, GO OUTSIDE!”

Teach children that they need to get out in a fire. If they cannot, they should stay low at a window and yell for help. Explain that they should never hide under a bed, in a closet, drawer, bathtub, cabinet, toy box. If they do, the firefighters will not be able to find them.

“FIREFIGHTERS ARE MY FRIEND IN AN EMERGENCY”

Explain to children that firefighters will be wearing heavy gear to protect them when they come to save them. They will also be wearing a mask that helps them breath clean air. They should not be afraid of the firefighter and the noise a firefighter makes when breathing through their mask or when using special tools.

“STOP, DROP & ROLL”

Teach children that if their clothes catch fire, they should, STOP, DROP & ROLL because it will help smother the fire. Teach them that if their clothes catch fire, they should immediately stop where they are, drop onto their belly on the ground, cover their face and mouth with their hands, and roll back and forth. They should also tell an adult immediately if their clothes did catch fire so that the adult can check for injuries and possible fire in the building. (Note to parents-sometimes younger children confuse the reason for using “stop, drop and roll”. We’ve noticed that sometimes they think that’s what they do when there is a fire. When there is a fire, their job is to “get out and stay out”. Stop, drop and roll is only if their clothes catch fire.”

“GET OUT AND STAY OUT!”

Teach children that under no circumstances should they go back into a building for their pets, toys, money….anything period! Explain that they would be lucky to escape the first time, but they may not be lucky if the re-enter and try to get out again.

“HELP-HELP-I’M OVER HERE-GET ME OUT!”

Teach children to yell as loud as they can for help if they cannot escape so the firefighters can find them.

FIREPLACE/ WOOD BURNING STOVE SAFETY TIPS

Homeowners should follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of fires, which are dangerous, messy and costly:

● Have your chimney inspected by a professional once a year…preferably at the beginning of the home heating season...that means now! If cleaning or repair is necessary, have it done right away.

● If you live in an older home that does not have a chimney liner, it is recommended that you have one installed.

● Make sure you have a chimney cap installed to avoid debris/wildlife falling into the chimney and causing a blockage.

● Cut back branches that are close to the chimney so that a spark will not cause the tree to catch fire and possibly spread to your home or a neighbor’s house.

● Be sure to open the flue before starting a fire, and never close the flue while the fire is still smoldering. Deadly carbon monoxide will build up and enter the home.

● Burn only well-seasoned hardwood to avoid highly combustible creosote buildup inside the chimney. If creosote builds up in sufficient quantities, it will ignite inside the chimney flue, resulting in a dangerous chimney fire that can quickly extend into the home.

● Never leave your fireplace burning when you go to bed or leave the house.

● Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from flying into the room and starting a fire.

● Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.

● Allow ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container and fill with water. Keep container a safe distance from the home.

● Be sure to have working smoke and CO detectors installed in your home.

● Very often, people report that they became aware of a chimney fire when they hear a noise similar to the roar of an airplane engine in their house or the fire was burning really hot. If you suspect a chimney fire, get out of the house and call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s house.

WHILE WE PREFER THAT YOU USE SAFE BATTERY-OPERATED CANDLES INSTEAD OF REAL CANDLES THAT LEND THEMSELVES TO DANGEROUS FIRES, HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES:

KEEP CANDLES AT LEAST 12 INCHES AWAY FROM ANYTHING THAT CAN BURN.

USE STURDY, SAFE CANDLEHOLDERS.

NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED. EXTINGUISH CANDLES WHEN YOU LEAVE A ROOM.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO SPLATTER WAX WHEN YOU EXTINGUISH A CANDLE.

ALWAYS USE A FLASHLIGHT INSTEAD OF CANDLES IN AN EMERGENCY.

NEVER USE CANDLES AT A LOCATION IN THE HOUSE WHERE YOU MIGHT FALL ASLEEP.

WASHER AND DRYER SAFETY

The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires is failure to clean them.

Safety tips
• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean the lint filter before or after each use. Remove accumulated lint around the drum.
• Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
• Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
• Avoid overloading a washing machine or dryer. Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Do not leave a dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.
• Washing machines and dryers should be properly grounded.
• Make sure the outdoor vent flap is not covered by snow.
• Never dry items that have come in contact with flammable substances, such as cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner, alcohol.

Keep the dryer area clear of things that can burn, such as boxes or clothing.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Safety tips:

• Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.
• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and have members of your household become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out..
• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.
• Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

Safety tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal grills

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Propane grills

• Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. I f 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 attempt to move the grill.
• Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

FIRE SAFETY REMINDERS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN. Learn where all the exits are to make escape faster in a fire emergency. On campus, there should be a plan in place already. If you don’t know what it is, the Public Safety Office should be able to tell you. If this information is not readily available or you are living off campus, take a few minutes to walk around and do your own pre-plan.

KNOW HOW TO MAKE A NOTIFICATION OF A FIRE EMERGENCY. Find out where alarm pull boxes are and what number to call to report a fire.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AND CLOSE THE DOOR BEHIND YOU. Remember to take your keys should you have to re-enter the room if your escape route is blocked with fire or smoke.

KNOW HOW TO ESCAPE.

-If you have to escape through smoke, get low and get to the nearest exit. The cleanest air is close to the ground.

-Before opening a door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, don’t open it. Find a second way out.

-If you are trapped in your room, seal your door with towels, rags, or clothing so that smoke cannot enter from the hall.

GET OUT AND STAY OUT. No textbook, homework assignment, laptop, cell phone or wallet is worth going back for. You were lucky to get out safely once. You might not be as lucky a second time!

DO NOT HANG ANYTHING FROM SPRINKLER HEADS. This could disable or block the flow of water, which is necessary to help contain or extinguish flames.

MAKE SURE THERE ARE WORKING SMOKE DETECTORS OUTSIDE AND INSIDE YOUR SLEEPING QUARTERS. Test monthly. Never disable a smoke detector or the fire alarm. These are installed to give warning to you and your neighbors so you can quickly exit should smoke or fire be detected.

ONLY USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR EMERGENCIES. They are there for you to use should you have to put out a small, contained fire. Don’t waste this equipment on a midnight water fight of prank! For an extra level of safety, keep an ABC extinguisher in your room and learn how to use it. They are labeled with simple instructions.

ICE SAFETY

Because of changing currents, precipitation and temperatures, no ice in this area should be considered safe! Whether you are ice skating, playing hockey or just walking on ice over any body of water, you risk falling through, drowning or suffering from hypothermia.