| Fire
Prevention Checklist: |
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| A Fact Sheet on Fire
Safety and Prevention |
More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 25,000
are injured. There are ways to prevent and survive a fire, by taking the
time to be safe and plan ahead. Many people live in an area where the
local fire department is more than a few minutes away because of travel
time or distance. If so, the it is important for you know how to be self-reliant
in a fire emergency.
Use this fire safety checklist to help protect yourself, your home and
its surroundings from fire.
REMEMBER, FIRE SAFETY IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!
Maintain Home Heating System
- Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible
at least three feet away
- Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney
cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire
that could easily spread.
- Extend the chimney at least three feet above the roof.
- Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top.
- Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities.
- Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only
after the heater has cooled.
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Prevent Electrical Fires
Never overload circuits or extension cords.
- Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high
traffic areas. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that
sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally
repaired or replaced.
- When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning
signs that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired.
Unplug appliances when not in use. Use safety caps to cover all
unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the
home.
- Have A Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
- Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
- Practice fire escape and evacuation plans.
- Mark the entrance to your property with signs that are clearly
visible.
- Make sure your children know how to dial 911 for emergencies.
- Make sure your children know their address and make sure
your address is posted where emergency vehicles can clearly see
it from the road.
- Provide emergency vehicle access through roads and driveways
at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.
- Designate a meeting location away from the home. For example,
meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway to make
sure everyone has gotten out safely. Designate one person to go
to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
- Once Out, Stay Out - Remember to escape first, then notify
the fire department using the 911 system. Never go back into a
burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from
firefighters.
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Make Your Home Fire-Resistant
- Use fire-resistant and protective roofing and materials like
stone, brick and metal to protect your home. Avoid using wood
materials that offer the least fire protection.
- Keep roofs and eaves clear of debris.
- Cover all exterior vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens
no larger than 6 millimeters.
- Install multipane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof
shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat.
- Your heating appliance flue pipes and chimney can deteriorate
over time. Look for dents, corrosion or rust stains on the outer
shell of a metal chimney and check for bulges or corrosion in
its liner.
- Use fire-resistant draperies for added window protection. Keep
tools for fire protection nearby: 100 foot garden hose, shovel,
rake, ladder and buckets.
- Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible
to the fire department.
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Let Your Landscape Defend Your Property
- Trim grass on a regular basis up to 100 feet surrounding your
home.
- Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30
feet around your home.
- Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris and low tree branches.
- Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation
to prevent fire from spreading quickly.
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and other
structures.
- Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers
outside the home, at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden
fences.
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Pasquotank, Camden, and Elizabeth
City Fire Departments
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