Ways to prevent and prepare for fires or other disasters.

11/21/2016 (Permalink)

“I never thought it could happen to me,” people often say after they are in a fire, hurricane, or other emergency or disaster. While you may take comfort thinking that an emergency will never happen, this thinking really is not very helpful. Instead, take control now by planning how you will prevent or manage in an emergency.  

Here are some ways that all people, including those with disabilities, can help prevent and prepare for fires and other disasters or emergencies. 

Fires at home
Thousands of Americans die or are injured in home fires each year. Many of these fires could have been prevented. Here are ways to do just that:

• Smoke detectors. Put smoke detectors on each level of your house and also outside each bedroom. It is best to have two types of detectors (ionization and photoelectric) as each works in a different way. Test all smoke detectors once a month and change batteries twice a year. Many people do this when they reset clocks in the spring and fall. Replace smoke detectors when they are more than 10 years old.
• Fire extinguisher. Keep fire extinguishers in both your kitchen and garage. The best kind to get for home is labeled “ABC” or “BC.” These extinguishers are useful for small fires as they work just a short while. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and make sure the pressure is at the right level.
• Fire blanket. These are blankets made to smother (put out) fires. They are useful for most types of kitchen fires. When you use the blanket, fold part of it over your hands to prevent getting burned.
• Rope/chain-link ladder. People use these types of ladders to safely exit from an upper story window. Plan how to use this type of ladder and make sure your children know what to do as well.
• Fire safe box. Put important and valuable items in a “fire safe” box that will not burn in a fire. Items may include family photos, financial records, identification cards, and other important papers.
• Nonflammable material. Use nonflammable materials (that cannot burn) outside and inside your house. These include nonflammable roof tiles, gutters, siding materials, insulation, furniture, and home decorations. 
• Sprinkler system. If you are building a new home or fixing an old one, think about adding a sprinkler system (water sprinkles from the ceiling in a fire). Find out whether you can include the cost of a sprinkler in your mortgage.

Common fire hazards and ways to prevent them
Some parts of your home are more prone to fire than others. Here are ways to prevent some common types of fire hazards.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen at all times when you are cooking.
• Point the handles of pots and pans toward the back of the stove.
• Keep sleeves and towels away from heat and flames.
• Smother a grease fire with a pan lid, baking soda or fire blanket. Do notput water on a grease fire. Call 911 and leave right away if the fire is out of control.

Space heaters

• Make sure all your space heaters have a UL mark (meaning they have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories).
• Place heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (such as papers).
• Turn off a space heater when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Choose space heaters that have automatic shut-off valves, heating guards, and other safety features.
• Put the correct fuel in a liquid heater. Never fill the heater with gasoline or other substitute fuel.

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves

• Once each year have a service person inspect and clean your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Always use a metal mesh screen and leave the glass doors open.
• Put hot ashes in a metal container when the fire is done. Soak these ashes with water and put the container outside your home.
• Do not leave fires unattended (without someone nearby). Make sure the fire is out before you leave or go to bed.

Electrical outlets, appliances and wiring

• Put electrical cords over (not under) rugs and carpets.
• Make sure that cords to your appliances are intact, not frayed.
• Use a heating pad or electric blanket, but not both at the same time. Replace these items when they are more than 10 years old.
• Do not overload (use too many) wall sockets, power strips or extension cords.
• If you live in a house that is more than 30 years old, have an electrician check the inside wiring to see that it is up to code.

Trees, leaves, bushes, and other landscaping

• Clear away all dead wood and dry leaves within 30 feet of your home.
• Compost fallen leaves rather than burn them.
• Trim all tree branches so they are at least 20 feet away from chimneys.

Other ways to protect your home in a disaster

• Make a disaster plan. This includes knowing who to contact and where to meet in an emergency. 
• Create a kit with emergency supplies and first aid kit. This includes food, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, and medications. 
• Make a list of important phone numbers and put this list where you can quickly find it (such as on the refrigerator). This list should have emergency phone numbers including 911 and numbers for your local fire department, volunteer or rescue squad, and poison control center. Call 911 if there is an emergency and you are unsure what to do.
• Organize a “personal support network” of people who can provide extra emergency help. This may include family members, friends, and neighbors who can assist you before or during an emergency.
• Tell your local emergency agency and fire department if you have a disability.
• Check your home insurance policy. Make sure it is current and find out what disaster costs insurance will cover (pay for).
• Plan more than one way to escape from your house. Make sure all these ways are free of clutter.
• Know how to shut off valves for gas, oil, water and the home’s main electrical supply. Put tags on these valves so you can quickly find them.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector or one that detects both carbon monoxide and smoke. Also install a radon detector (radon is a type of gas that may cause lung cancer).

Plan now how to manage in any disaster. These plans may someday help you reduce the risk of injury, death, and property damage.