disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

What are YOU gonna do about…
FIRES & WILDFIRES
Since fire spreads so quickly, there is NO time to grab valuables or make a
phone call! In just two minutes a fire can become life threatening! In five
minutes a house can be engulfed in flames.
A fire’s heat and smoke are more dangerous than the actual flames since
you can burn your lungs by inhaling the super-hot air. Fire produces a
poisonous gas that makes you drowsy and disoriented (confused). Instead
of being awakened by a fire, you could fall into a deeper sleep.
First we will discuss FIRES like you might encounter in your home or
apartment, then we will cover WILDFIRES since there are many things
people need to think about when living near wilderness areas.
BEFORE A FIRE (FIRE SAFETY TIPS):
Install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors! - Test alarms 1-4 times
a month, replace batteries once a year, and get new units every 10 years.
Make a plan - Review Section 1 and create an Escape Plan that includes two
escape routes from every room in the house and walk through the routes
with your entire family. Also...
• Make sure your windows are not nailed or painted shut.
• Make sure security bars on windows have a fire safety
opening feature so they can be easily opened from the
inside…and teach everyone how to open them!
• Teach everyone how to stay LOW to floor (air is safer).
• Pick a spot to meet after escaping fire (meeting place).
Clean up - Keep storage areas clean - don’t stack up newspapers & trash.
Check power sources - Check electrical wiring and extension cords -- don’t
overload cords or outlets. Make sure there are no exposed wires anywhere
and make sure wiring doesn’t touch home insulation.
Use caution - Never use gasoline or similar liquids indoors and never
smoke around flammable liquids!
Check heat sources - Check furnaces, stoves, cracked or rusty furnace parts,
and chimneys. Always be careful with space heaters and keep them at least
3 feet (1 m) away from flammable materials.
52 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325