BEFORE A FIRE
Smoke alarms:
Have smoke detectors on every level of your home or business. It is highly recommended that they are installed in or near all sleeping areas. It is also highly recommended that a hardwired system is installed, with a battery backup in every alarm. Should a fire occur, when one smoke alarm is activated, all other alarms will be activated (with a hardwired system) so everyone in the building is aware of the emergency. Once again, battery backups are recommended with smoke alarms so they will still operate during a power outage.
Electrical safety:
Fire Evacuation Plans:
All buildings (schools, businesses, and other buildings) must have a fire evacuation plan. More information on these requirements can be found in the Ohio Revised Code. Families should also create their own evacuation plans for their homes. Evacuation drills should be conducted frequently.
Extinguishing a fire:
One fire extinguisher should be in every home. Make sure you read the instructions and are able to properly use the extinguisher. Residential fire sprinklers may also be installed.
IN CASE OF FIRE
Activated smoke alarm:
Activated fire alarm (in a building):
If the fire alarm is sounding and you are in an enclosed room, feel the door before exiting the room. If it is hot, do not open the door. If you are unable to exit, put wet towels under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room. Open all windows and wave a towel or rag. This is so emergency services will be able to indicate your location from the outside. Call 911 and notify the dispatcher of your location, and let the dispatcher know that you are unable to evacuate the room. The dispatcher will notify the fire department. If you are able to exit, DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. During a fire, elevators may malfunction or shutdown. Use the stairs, follow the building's evacuation plan, and walk as you are leaving the building, do not run.
In the event of a fire:
If you see a fire, extinguish it if it is small. If it is too large/difficult or you are not confident in your ability to put out a fire, activate the building's fire alarm system by pulling a fire alarm pull station (many fire alarm pull stations look similar to the pull stations below.) Notify building security or call 911.
Smoke alarms:
Have smoke detectors on every level of your home or business. It is highly recommended that they are installed in or near all sleeping areas. It is also highly recommended that a hardwired system is installed, with a battery backup in every alarm. Should a fire occur, when one smoke alarm is activated, all other alarms will be activated (with a hardwired system) so everyone in the building is aware of the emergency. Once again, battery backups are recommended with smoke alarms so they will still operate during a power outage.
Electrical safety:
- To prevent the risk of shock and fire, electrical outlets should have protective covers. These can be purchased at your local home improvement store.
- Electrical cords should be checked for tears, breaks, or bent ends before being used. If any damage is done to the cord, replace it, do not use it as electrocution is an elevated risk.
- Do not run extension cords across doorways or under carpet.
- Do not plug more than one appliance into and outlet at a time.
- Keep water away from all outlets. If water splashes up on an outlet, an electrical spark could start a fire.
Fire Evacuation Plans:
All buildings (schools, businesses, and other buildings) must have a fire evacuation plan. More information on these requirements can be found in the Ohio Revised Code. Families should also create their own evacuation plans for their homes. Evacuation drills should be conducted frequently.
Extinguishing a fire:
One fire extinguisher should be in every home. Make sure you read the instructions and are able to properly use the extinguisher. Residential fire sprinklers may also be installed.
IN CASE OF FIRE
Activated smoke alarm:
- If the smoke alarm(s) is activated, do not panic.
- If you are cooking, do not take the smoke alarm off of the ceiling and do not remove the batteries. Push the "silence" button on the alarm or clear the air around the smoke alarm.
- If you are not cooking, check your home for smoke. If you see smoke, use a fire extinguisher (if available), and extinguish the fire if it is minor. If the fire is rapidly spreading or is too difficult/large to extinguish, evacuate the home immediately and call 911.
Activated fire alarm (in a building):
If the fire alarm is sounding and you are in an enclosed room, feel the door before exiting the room. If it is hot, do not open the door. If you are unable to exit, put wet towels under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room. Open all windows and wave a towel or rag. This is so emergency services will be able to indicate your location from the outside. Call 911 and notify the dispatcher of your location, and let the dispatcher know that you are unable to evacuate the room. The dispatcher will notify the fire department. If you are able to exit, DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. During a fire, elevators may malfunction or shutdown. Use the stairs, follow the building's evacuation plan, and walk as you are leaving the building, do not run.
In the event of a fire:
If you see a fire, extinguish it if it is small. If it is too large/difficult or you are not confident in your ability to put out a fire, activate the building's fire alarm system by pulling a fire alarm pull station (many fire alarm pull stations look similar to the pull stations below.) Notify building security or call 911.
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