Fire Prevention Poster Contest at the Pearl River Library

Fire is a deadly threat to any household. It can strike anywhere, at  any time. You must be prepared by using the tools for fire protection.

Smoke alarms provide a warning of fire. Smoke alarms are the easiest,  most cost-efficient way to alert your family of a developing fire. The  more smoke alarms you have installed in your home, the more your chances  increase that you will be alerted to a fire.

Fire extinguishers provide a tool to fight small fires. Having a fire  extinguisher in your home can increase your chances of keeping a small  fire from getting out of control and becoming a deadly rage. 

Using both smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home, along  with knowing what to do in case of fire, can help save your life!

No, several smoke alarms and fire extinguishers must be installed and  maintained for proper fire protection. The NFPA recommends smoke alarms  be installed on every level of the home, and inside every bedroom and  sleeping area. Smoke alarms should also be installed in the main  corridor outside each bedroom area. Fire extinguishers should be  installed on each living level, as well as in rooms that pose potential  fire hazards (i.e., kitchen, garage, workshop).

Installing and maintaining smoke alarms and fire extinguishers dramatically increases your family's chances of surviving a fire.

Fire extinguishers are categorized by ratings. These ratings  determine the size and type of fire that the extinguisher can  successfully put out. Fire can be divided into three categories: A, B,  or C. An "A" type fire is primarily wood, paper and fabric. "B" type  fires are primarily flammable liquids (such as gasoline) and oil based.  Finally, "C" type fires are electrical in nature.

The number preceding the A, B, or C rating determines how big of a  professionally set fire the extinguisher can put out. For example, a  10-B:C extinguisher would be able to handle a 25 foot square fire of  either flammable liquid or electrical origin. A 5-B:C extinguisher could  handle a 12.5 square foot fire that is flammable liquid or electrical  based.

NEVER IGNORE THE SOUND OF A SMOKE ALARM. If the smoke alarm is  sounding its alarm, there is a reason. You and your family must be able  to escape quickly and safely. Here are several steps your family can  learn and rehearse for an emergency:

1. Have an escape plan. Discuss and practice your escape plans. Know two exits from any room in the house.
2. Feel if the door is hot. Always feel the door to see if it is hot  before opening It to escape. If the doorknob or door is hot, do not use  that exit. Use your alternate exit to escape.
3. Crawl on the floor. Smoke from a fire rises and so does the  temperature. If you crawl on the floor there will be less smoke and the  heat from the fire will be less severe.
4. Meet at a prearranged spot outside the home. If you clearly show  where everyone is supposed to meet outside the home when there is a  fire, it will be easier to know who is safe.
5. Call the fire department from a neighbor's home. Be prepared to give  your full name and address to the operator at the other end of the  line. Stay on the line until the operator has all of the information  needed.
6. Never go inside a burning building. Never return inside the house for any reason. The firefighters will be there soon.

If you follow these basic fire safety tips, you will increase your family's chances for survival in a fire.

The following is a fire safety checklist to lower the chances that a fire may start in your home:

• Keep the furnace in working order.
• Use a fireplace screen.
• Have proper ventilation for heaters and other small appliances.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Use the correct size fuses.
• Don't use worn out electrical wiring or run it under rugs or out windows or doors.
• Clear refuse away-the less clutter, the less fuel a fire has to feed on.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing your smoke alarms at least once a month.

• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of a smoke alarm and how to respond.
• Follow the user manual instructions for cleaning and maintaining smoke alarms for proper functionality.
• Smoke alarms require a new battery at least once a year or if a low battery chirp occurs.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10-years.
• Smoke alarms with a 10-year sealed battery should be replaced once  it exceeds its life expectancy or if a low battery chirp occurs.
• When replacing a battery, follow the user manual which includes a full list of approved batteries.
• Smoke alarms should be maintained according to the user manual.
• All First Alert user manuals are located on www.firstalert.com within each product page.
• The NFPA recommends smoke alarms be installed on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Plan and practice an escape route with your family. If there is an  emergency, everyone will know how to exit the home safely and where to  meet.