FIRE SAFETY TIPS

ACT NOW TO BE PREPARED      

01.    Buy and carefully maintain a quality smoke detector
02.    Learn what causes fire.
03.    Inspect your home to eliminate or control fire hazards.
04.    Install at least one 5-pound A-B-C type fire extinguishers in the home and teach family members how to use them.
05.    Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
06.    Hold practice fire drills until all family members are thoroughly familiar with the plan.
07.    If you have an older home, have the wiring checked by a qualified electrician to make sure it meets current building codes.
08.    Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected yearly for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks or mortar and any obstructions.
09.    Keep storage areas clean and tidy.
10.    Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
11.    Store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources.  Never keep gasoline in the house.
12.    Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
13.    Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen.
14.    Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.  Loose clothing can catch fire. 

WHAT TO DO  

Remain CALM, but take IMMEDIATE action.

 IF IT IS A HOME OR HIGH-RISK FIRE: 

01.    If you smell smoke or the smoke detector goes off, DIAL 911 and activate the nearest pull-station at once.
02.    Before you open the door, feel the door by using the back of your hand.  If the door is hot or warm, do not open the door.
03.    If the door is cool, open the door just a little to check the hallway.  If you see smoke, do not leave.
04.    If there is no smoke in the hallway, leave and close the door.  Go directly to the stairs and leave.
05.    If you can’t escape, use wet towels or tape to seal the door and any room supply vent.
06.    If you have a balcony and there is no fire below and go out.
07.    It there is fire below, go to the window.  Do not open the window, but stay near the window.
08.    If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it.  Stay near the window.
09.    Hang a blanket or a towel out the window to let people know that you are there and need help.
10.    Remain calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
11.    Never use the elevator  

IF IT IS A COOKING FIRE: 

01.    Call the fire department immediately.
02.    Slide a pan lid over the flames to smother a grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place.
03.    Extinguish other food fires with baking soda.  Never use water or flour on cooking fires.
04.    Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire. 

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE:

01.    Do not enter a fire damaged building unless authorities say it’s safe to do so.
02.    When entering a fire damaged building look for signs of heat or smoke.
03.    Have an electrician check your household wiring before the current is turned back on.  Do not attempt to reconnect any utilities yourself.  Leave this to the fire department and other authorities.  
04.    Beware of structural damage.  Roofs and floors may be weakened and need repair.  
05.    Contact your local disaster relief service such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army if you need housing, food or personal items, which were destroyed in the fire.
06.    Call your insurance agent.  Keep records of all clean up and repair costs.
07.    Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.
08.    If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
09.    Secure personal belongings or move them to another location if possible.

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY TIPS

Blackout:  Equipment failure which occurs when the supply of power is cut, either by excessive demand on the power grid, lightning storms, ice on power lines, equipment failure or any accident which brings down a power line.

Rolling Blackout:  Occurs when electrical power is turned off to selected areas to save power.  Blackouts usually occur between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., but they can happen any time.  Blackouts may affect the same area more than once a day and they may exceed an hour’s duration.

01.    At home or at work, keep a battery operated radio and flashlight on hand, as well as a supply of batteries.
02.    Keep an emergency supply of water, medications and non-perishable foods handy.  If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
03.    If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer consider filling a plastic container with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one, this will help keep food cold if the power goes out.
04.    Have a list of emergency numbers readily available.
05.    Keep your vehicle at least half-full.
06.    Plan to have an alternative cooking source, such as a camp stove or outdoor grill.  Follow the rules for using it outside the residence. 
07.   Consider buying a generator and follow the rules for using it outside the residence.  Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from utility electrical service.
08.    Have extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves on hand to keep warm.
09.    If you have an electric garage door opener, locate the emergency release lever.
10.    If you have a telephone or system that requires electricity to work, plan for alternative communication such as a standard telephone handset, cellular telephone or radio. 

PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS  If someone you know is elderly or dependant on life-sustaining or health-related equipment (i.e., ventilators, respirators, oxygen concentrators or enhancers) help plan to make sure their needs are met by taking the following actions:  

1. Register them as a special needs customer with their utility so they will become a priority customer.
2. Notify others that could provide help such as fire department, neighbors, nearby friends or relatives.
3. Have a list of emergency numbers readily available.
4. Have a standby generator or alternative source of power available.  Be aware of the safety rules for its use.

FLOOD AWARENESS SAFETY TIPS 10 ACTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE THE FLOOD   

1. Learn the safest route from your home/business, should you have to leave in a hurry.
2. Develop and practice a “family escape” plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
3. Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property.  Keep this list in a safe place!
4. Stockpile emergency supplies of food, medicine, first aid supplies and drinking water.  Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
5. Don’t forget to plan for your pest.
6. Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, flashlights in working order and extra batteries.
7. Keep your automobile fueled.  If electric power is cut off, service stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
8. Find out how many feet your property is above and below flood levels.  When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
9. Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water proofing.
10. If flooding is likely and there is time, move essential items and furniture to upper floors in the house.  Disconnect electrical appliances that can’t be moved.  Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.

1. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, TV or Emergency Broadcast station for information
2. If local officials advise evacuation, do so promptly.
3. If directed to a specific location, go there.
4. Use recommended emergency routes.
5. Know where the shelters are.
6. Secure your home before leaving.
7. Bring outside possessions inside the house or secure them.
8. Disconnect any electrical appliances or equipment that cannot be moved.  Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.
9. Lock the doors and windows.  

1.  Have a small Disaster Supply Kit in the trunk of your car. 
2.  Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads.
3.  Make certain that you have enough fuel for your car.
4.  Follow recommendation routes.
5.  AS you travel, keep monitoring NOAA Weather Radio or Emergency Alert Station for updated information
6.  Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires and falling or fallen objectives.
7.  Watch out for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly flood.
8.  Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road.

1. Before entering the building, check for structural damage.  Turn off any outside gas lines at meter or tank.  Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
2. Upon entering the building, use a battery powered flashlight.  Do not use an open flame as a source of light.  Gas may be trapped inside.
3. Watch for electrical shorts and live wires before making certain the main power switch is off.  Do not turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked out the system.
4. Throw out any medicine or food that has had contact with flood water.
5. Test drinking water for portability.  Wells should be pumped out and water tested for drinking.
6. If the public water system is declared “unsafe” by health officials, water for cooking and drinking should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes.  In an emergency, water may be obtained from the hot water tank or by melting ice cubes.
7. Shovel out mud with special attention to cleaning heating and plumbing systems.
8. Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible.  Structural damage can occur if drained too quickly.  When surrounding waters have subsided, begin draining the basement in stages, about 1/3 of the water volume each day.
9. Do not handle electrical equipment in wet areas.  It should be checked and dried before use.
10. Report broken utility lines to police, fire or other appropriate authorities.

Hurricane Watch:  Hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area. 

Hurricane Warning:  Hurricane is expected within 24 hours.  Begin precautionary action at once. 

1. Develop a family plan for survival and property protection
2. If your residence is in a potential flood or storm surge zone, be prepared to evacuate when officials recommend it.
3. Make arrangements now for the elderly and others with special needs, such as those who depend on electrical life support.
4. Identify a friend or family member from a non-threatened area, whom you will keep informed about your family’s plans.
5. Plan what you will do with your pet.
6. Inventory personal property; safely secure all records and valuable documents in a watertight place.
7. Have materials available to protect your doors and windows.
8. Have emergency cash or traveler’s checks saved.
9. If your job requires you to work during a storm, make sure now that at least one adult will be with your children, the elderly or those with special needs.
10. Put together a family hurricane evacuation kit.

1. Listen for weather updates and stay informed. 
2. Keep a portable radio and flashlight on hand with fresh batteries.
3. Re-check all emergency supplies and equipment.
4. Clear your yard of all loose objects.
5. Moor your boat securely.
6. Store drinking water in clean containers.
7. Shutter, board or tape all windows.
8. Plan a flood-free evacuation route and know where to go.
9. If ordered to evacuate:  COMPLY IMMEDIATELY!  Take your Hurricane Evacuation Kit.  Let your friends and family know where you are going.  

NO SMOKING, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, WEAPONS OR PETS ALLOWED IN PUBLIC SHELTERS. 

HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT
Keep kit ready to go within hours.  Include battery operated radio and flashlight, plus the following: First aid kit, two-weeks supply of medicine, blankets or sleeping bags, extra clothing, infant necessities, personal items, including books and toys, important papers, checkbook, cash, credit cards and ATM cards.

1.  Do not enter evacuated areas until local officials have issued an all-clear order.
2. Stay away from disaster areas.  Do not sightsee!
3. Obey all curfews and emergency orders which are issued. If you must drive, use caution. 
4. Be aware of road and bridge washouts and storm debris on roadways.
5. Advise interested parties that you are safe.
6. Use caution when using food from your refrigerator or ice chest.  Check for spoilage.
7. Avoid all downed power lines. 
8. Assume that all have live electricity.Take extra precautions to prevent fire.  Lowered pressure in water mains may make firefighting extremely difficult.
9. Have your electric, gas and water connections checked before turning them back on.Use your emergency supply or boil water before using, until there is official word that water is safe.