Fire Safety Tips

The Pike Road Fire and Rescue Department would like to share/offer some fire safety advice.  Readers should note that all fire situations are different and it is difficult to give fail-proof general advice.  We believe the information contained on these pages may prove useful in some situations, however; additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. 

Fires create tragedies every day.  Educating the public on methods of fire prevention is one of the ways to assist in alleviating harm to your family and home.  Education and knowledge on how to deal with potential dangerous situations makes one more confident if the need ever arises.  Being prepared for emergencies could be the thing that saves you or someone in your family. 

Practice fire drills in the home to make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire.  Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room.  Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways, and windows that can be used as fire escape routes.

What to do if you have a fire

• Get out immediately, don’t try to grab your possessions as they can be replaced YOU CAN’T.
• If you encounter smoke on your way out of the fire, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
• Feel all doors before opening them.  If a door is hot, exit another way.
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs and roll over and over to smother the flames.
• Have a pre-determined location for everyone in the home to meet so each person can be accounted for.
• You should not place the 911 call to emergency services from inside the home.  It is best to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home such as a neighbor’s home or use a cell phone. 
• Provide as much information as possible to the dispatcher including the location of the emergency and what is burning.

Additional tips for fire safety

• Install smoke detectors – Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least twice a year.  Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you escape.  Smoke detectors should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each level of the home including basements. 
• Carbon Monoxide detectors – Check carbon monoxide detectors once a month and change the batteries at least twice a year.  One or two detectors should be installed in the home.  This is extremely critical if you have gas appliances in the home. 
• Space heaters need space – Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may burn such as paper, clothing, curtains, furniture, bedding, etc.  Never leave heaters on when you leave the home or go to bed.  Children and pets should always be kept away from them.
• Smokers need to be extra careful – Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy.  Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.  It is recommended that a large ash tray be used and cushions be checked for burning cigarettes before going to bed.
• Be careful cooking – Keep cooking area clear of combustibles and never leave cooking unattended.  Keep the handles of pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove.  If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner. 
• Matches and lighters are dangerous – In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly.  Store them where kids can’t reach them, preferably in a locked area.  Teach children that matches and lighters are “tools” and should only be used by adults. 
• Use electricity safely - If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired.  Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords; don’t overload extension cords or run them under the rugs.  Remember never tamper with the fuse box and circuit breakers as they protect from fire.  Don’t use the improper size fuse.  Home outlets should not be overloaded.  Always use the proper wattage bulb in light fixtures.  Caution should always be taken when using electric or heating blankets.
• Be careful of Halogen lights – If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas.  Never leave them unattended in the home or office. 
• Gasoline safety – Store gasoline in approved containers only.  Containers should be stored outside the home.  Gasoline should only be used as a motor fuel and not for cleaning. 
• Dryer vents – Be sure to keep dryer vents cleaned out as lint build up can create a fire hazard. 
• Chimney – Have the chimney checked and cleaned regularly.  Be sure to open damper before starting fire and use a metal fireplace screen.
• Practice candle safety – Candle use in homes has become very popular and has resulted in an increase of candle related fires.  Candles should never be left unattended in any room of the house.  Never leave a candle burning when while sleeping and never use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, cabinets, drapes, etc.