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Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances.
Check appliances for excessive rust and
scaling. Check the color of the flame on the burner and pilot lights to ensure they are burning properly. They
should be blue. If the flame is orange or yellow, it is a sign the fuel is not burning completely and a repair
technician should be contacted.
Teach every member of your home about the sounds and operation of this alarm.
Proper response is
key to survival.
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
BASICS OF ESCAPE PLAN
• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two escape routes from each
room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where all of you can meet if a fire occurs.
• Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train them to leave your home
when they hear the sound.
• Identify children’s bedrooms with red stickers placed in the upper left corner of the windows.
They are available from your local fire department.
• Practice a fire drill at least every six months. Practice allows you to test your plan before an
emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to do!
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
• Leave immediately by your plan of escape. Every second counts, so don’t waste time getting
dressed or picking up valuables.
• In leaving, don’t open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke
seeping through cracks, don’t open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If inside door
is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and
smoke rush in.
• Stay close to the floor if air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
• Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
• Call the fire department from your neighbor’s home – not from yours!
• Don’t return to your home until fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
