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

Know how to shut off power - Know where the circuit breaker box and gas
valve is and how to turn them off, if necessary. (And always have a gas
company rep turn on a main gas line.)
Install & learn A-B-C - Install A-B-C fire extinguishers in the home and
teach family members how to use them. (A-B-C works on all types of fires
and recommended for home - please read label.)
Call local fire - Ask local fire department if they will inspect your home or
business for fire safety and prevention.
Teach kids - Explain to children that matches and lighters are TOOLS, not
toys... and if they see someone playing with fire they should tell an adult
right away! And teach them how to report a fire and when to call 9-1-1.
Prevent common fires - Pay attention when cooking & don’t smoke in bed!
DURING A FIRE:
If only a small fire that’s not spreading too fast ...
Try to put out... - Use a fire extinguisher or water (unless it’s an electrical
or grease fire) ... and never try to put out a fire that’s getting out of control!
• electrical fire - never use water… use a fire extinguisher
approved for electrical fires
• oil or grease fire in kitchen - smother fire with baking
soda or salt (or, if burning in pan or skillet, carefully put a
lid over it -- but don’t try to carry pan outside!)
If fire is spreading ...
GET OUT - DO NOT take time to try to grab anything except your family
members! Once outside, do NOT try to go back in (even for pets) - let the
firemen do it! Ask a neighbor to call fire department if not already called.
GET DOWN - Stay low to the ground under smoke by crawling on your
hands and knees or squat down and walk like a duck… but keep moving to
find a way out!
Closed door - Using the back of your hand (not your palm) always feel the
top of the door, doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame
before you open a closed door!
• if door is cool - leave quickly, close door behind you and
crawl to an exit
• if door is hot – DO NOT open it ... find another way out
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
53