| Mar Mac Volunteer Fire Department Public Fire Safety Education Information |
| An Old Saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This saying may sound like worn-out words from the dark ages that are something your grandma used to say. BUT, this saying is just as true today and even more so than before. Following this wisdom can help save lives and property. A few well spent hours of educating your family on how to protect themselves from the dangers of fire is well worth it! COMMON SENSE, EDUCATION and PREPARATION are "key" elements which will ultimately give you better odds in surviving a fire or even have one occur at all. A fire can strike at any time with no warning, at any location and without seemingly any reason. Most fires can be prevented or loss from them lessened when the key elements are applied. The purpose of this page is to HELP you do whats' necessary to be prepared for fire and use common sense should it occur. Please read the information shown and follow the links provided, you will be glad you did! - Mar Mac VFD |
| SMOKE DETECTORS Smoke detectors are inexpensive devices that are easily installed and will alert you to the potential for fire or existence of fire in your home. Place at least one detector on every floor. Ideally, a smoke detector in every bedroom and in hallways is best. Placement of detectors should be high on walls near the ceiling or on the ceiling. It is recommended that Smoke Detectors be checked once monthly and battery replaced twice a year. |
| CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS A Carbon Monoxide detector should be installed in a home that uses a combustion furnace fueled by wood, gas, oil or coal. Carbon Monoxide is a odorless, colorless gas can be leaked into the home by faulty flues and chimneys. This gas if undetected could render household members unconscious and unable to escape the home. |
| ESCAPE PLAN It is CRITICAL that persons within the home KNOW HOW TO ESCAPE quickly. Draw-up escape plans for your home that use the closest and easiest accessible exit to the outside. Designate an outside meeting place for everyone to be accounted for by a responsible adult. Regular fire drills both planned and unplanned must be held to provide the confidence that everyone will escape in a time of fire emergency. Keep low to the floor and cover the nose and mouth to reduce smoke inhalation. Adults should guide small children to the exit(s). Do not open a door that is hot to the touch. Do not take items with you that could catch fire such as blankets or sheets. Teach kids to "STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire. This technique is effective for adults as well. DO NOT RE-ENTER A BURNING STRUCTURE ONCE YOU ARE OUTSIDE! |
| COMMON SENSE (1) Check you home for fire hazards: Heating appliances, stoves, fireplaces, light fixtures and lit candles which are closer than three feet to combustible materials. Flammable liquids stored inside the home should be stored outside in well-marked, sealed containers. Excess trash and paper should be cleaned up and removed. Replace old and warn extension cords with new ones. Never place extension cords under rugs or across walk-ways. Remove extension cord overloads, by unplugging any multiple socket cords plugged into it. Check light fixtures for proper sized bulbs. Bulbs that exceed the manufacturers' recommended wattage rating can cause overheating and fire. Keep clothes dryer vents clear and filters cleaned. Check the capacity of your electrical fuse and breaker panels to see if they are adequate for your power consumption needs. Frequent tripping of breakers or fuses blowing indicate a potential fire hazard. (If not sure, have a professional electrician inspect it for you). (2) DO NOT: Do not leave cooking unattended. (This is one of the leading causes of house fires). Do not operate grills on enclosed balcony's, covered patios, screened porches or car ports. Do not over-fill turkey cookers with cooking oil. Do not operate gas grills without checking gas line connections first. Do not smoke in bed or where there is a potential from falling asleep with a lit cigarette. Do not use flammable solvents within the home without first cutting off ignition sources such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, any motor driven device, lit candles and pilot lamps. (Provide adequate ventilation while using any flammable solvent). Do not put water on electrical fires. Do not burn yard waste during "dry" conditions or times of high wind. Do not leave outdoor burning unattended. (Check with local fire officials regarding ordinances and current restrictions before lighting the fire). (3) DO: Check you home and property regularly for fire hazards. Conduct fire drills often. Install smoke detectors and check them monthly. Have your furnace serviced by a professional before start of each heating season. Have your chimney inspected for build-up of creosote and leaks. Have the chimney and flu cleaned and repaired as necessary. Purchase home fire extinguishers to put out small fires before they become big ones. Use the "links" below for more complete information. Above all, USE COMMON SENSE when it comes to fire safety, your life and the lives of your loved ones depend on it! |
| FIRE SAFETY LINKS Fire Safety. GOV: Fire Safety Information for adults Fire Safety Information for kids NFPA (National Fire Protection Association): Public education (This site is "loaded" with information for adults, kids and educators). FEMA (U.S. Fire Administration): Fire Safety for Parents Fire Safety for All Citizens Fire Safety for Kids Fire Safety for Older Adults Fire Safety for People With Disabilities Fire Safety for College Students Liberty Mutual Insurance Co: Be Fire Smart for Parents Be Fire Smart for Kids |
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