Feature Articles - Housing
Test Your Smoke Alarms - It Could Save Your Life
Sherry F. Nelson, LCSW, Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension - Marion County
Each year more than 4,000 Americans lose their life to fire
and approximately 25,000 are injured. At least 80 percent of fires
in the US occur in the home, however there are many things
we can do to prevent these fire tragedies and injuries.
Testing your smoke alarms is one of the most critical things
we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. All homes
should have smoke alarms, an escape route, and fire
extinguishers on hand.
Smoke Alarms: There should be a smoke alarm in
every bedroom. Additionally having a smoke alarm on
every level of your home is a must and you should test
your smoke alarm monthly. Experts recommend that you
change your batteries twice a year, in the fall and
spring when we change our clocks for daylight savings time.
In addition to testing your smoke alarms, here are some
other tips that will keep you safe from fire and other
hazards.
With regard to your escape plans and fire extinguishers:
Having an escape plan and practicing the plan has been shown to save lives because you know what to do. Practice the plan twice a year with the whole family. Be sure to know two ways out of your home and have a designated meeting place outside. Remember that once you are out of the home, have a neighbor call 911, and DO NOT go back inside. Be sure to educate babysitters/caregivers of your escape plan so they are very familiar with it.
Having fire extinguishers on each level of the home
are a must for every homeowner or renter. An ABC
type extinguisher is best because it can be used on most
types of fires:
"A" type fires are common
combustibles such as trash, wood and paper fire
"B" is a grease or liquid fire and
"C" is an electrical equipment blaze
The extinguisher needs to be maintained regularly and not so
heavy that you cannot pick it up and use it. It is a good
idea to get training on use of an extinguisher before you
need to use one. The procedure is:
PASS: P - Pull the pin, A – Aim the nozzle, S – Squeeze the handle and S – Sweep at the base of the fire.
Other general fire safety tips include the following:
- Check for frayed or broken electrical cords, and eliminate extension cord use by purchasing a power strip.
- Don’t overload electrical circuits and inspect your electrical panel annually.
- Pay attention when cooking, avoid leaving the room or use a reminder that something is on the stove.
- Keep children and pets away from the stove.
- Keep your cooking area clean including keeping combustibles away from the stove which includes loose clothing.
- Turn pots and pan handles to the inside.
- Keep your oven and stove top free of grease to avoid grease fires.
If you would like to learn more about safety and
emergency preparedness, log on to
www.ready.gov or call
your local fire department.
Contact: Sherry F. Nelson, LCSW
Human Development Specialist
University of Missouri Extension - Marion County
Marion County Courthouse, Rm. 201
Palmyra, MO 63461
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Last update: Wednesday, May 06, 2009
