Home Fire Safety
Every Home Should Have at Least One
Working Smoke Alarm
Buy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store. It’s inexpensive
protection for you and your family. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your
home. A working smoke alarm can double your chances of survival. Test it
monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the battery at least once a year.
Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of service, or as
recommended by the manufacturer.
Prevent Electrical Fires
Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under
rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off and unplug
appliances that sputter, spark, or emit an unusual smell. Have them
professionally repaired or replaced.
Use Appliances Wisely
When using appliances follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions. Overheating,
unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that appliances need to
be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use
safety caps to cover unused outlets, especially if there are small children in
the home.
Affordable Home Fire Safety Sprinklers
When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances of
surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable – they can
increase property value and lower insurance rates.
Plan Your Escape
Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay
low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that is hot.
Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then
call for help.
Caring for Children
Children under five are naturally curious about fire. Many play with matches and
lighters. Tragically, children set over 20,000 house fires every year. Take the
mystery out of fire play by teaching your children that fire is a tool, not a
toy.
Safety Tip – Keep a fire extinguisher in your home, as well as a fully charged flashlight.
What is a fireman?
He is the guy next door – a man’s man with the memory of a little boy. He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger.
He is a guy like you and me with wants and worries and unfulfilled dreams
Yet he strands taller than most.
He is a fireman.
He puts it all on the line when the bell rings.
A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men
He is a man who saves lives because he has see too much death.
He is a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control.
He is responsive to a child’s laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again.
He is a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life – hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers – a worm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feeling – the camaraderie of brave men – the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men.
He doesn’t wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.
When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade.
He doesn’t preach the brotherhood of man.
He lives it.
Author Unknown