FIRE

Before

• Install smoke alarms. Place smoke alarms on every level of a multi-storey building at spots close to fire causing sources
• Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year
• Replace smoke alarm systems regularly as advised on the manufacturer’s label
• Do not take illegal connections or tinker with power connections
• Review escape routes with your family
•  Make sure windows are not nailed or permanently bolted
•  Make sure security gratings on windows can be easily opened from the inside
•  Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft systems can be easily opened from the inside
•  Teach family members to stay low on the floor (where the air is safer) when escaping from a fire
•  Clean out storage areas. Do not let trash such as old newspapers/magazines and polythene bags accumulate

Flammable Items

•  Store flammable liquids in safe containers in well ventilated storage areas
•  Never smoke near flammable liquids
•  Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal container.
•  Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should be at least three feet higher than the roof. Remove tree branches hanging above and around the chimney.

Heating Sources

•  Be careful when using alternative heating sources
•  Place heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated
•  Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and follow manufacturer’s instructions
•  Store ashes in a metal container outside, away from your residence
•  Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items

Matches & Smoking

•  Keep matches and lighters away from children, and, if possible, in a locked cabinet
•  Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated 

ElectricaL Wiring

•  Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by a certified electrician
•  Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs
•  Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring
•  Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across highfootfall areas
•  Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a unit with built-in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits
•  Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring

Other

•  Install fire extinguishers at your residence and read the instructions on the labels carefully. Teach family members how to use them
•  Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence
•  Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and prevention.

During Fire

•  If your clothes catch fire, you should stop, drop, and roll until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the clothes burn faster
•  Cover your nose / mouth, possibly with a moist cloth or in its absence with your hands, to prevent inhalation of smoke and asphyxiation 
•  While escaping from a burning house, it will help if you could cover yourself with a thick blanket
•  Check closed doors for heat before you open them. If you are escaping through a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame before you open it. 
•  Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (for ladders and crawling)
•  The window is your best escape option. If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting fire fighters to your presence
•  Crawl low under any smoke to your exit heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling
•  Close doors behind you as you escape if you can to delay the spread of the fire
•  Do not reenter once you have escaped. Call the local fire department 

After Fire

•  If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, cool and cover burns to reduce chances of further injury or infection 
•  Go to the nearest medical doctor for help
•  If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately
•  If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames