OCFD Citizen's Fire Academy Alumni Association

Fire Safety Tips

Fire Safety Tips

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured. An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home. There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. It's not a question of luck. It's a matter of planning ahead.

Every Home Should Have at Least One Working Smoke Alarm

Buy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store. It's inexpensive protection for you and your family. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. A working smoke alarm can double your chances of survival. Test it monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the battery at least once a year. Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of service, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

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.

USE APPLIANCES WISELY

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.

ALTERNATE HEATERS

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.
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.
Affordable Home Fire Safety Sprinklers

When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable - they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.

CARING FOR CHILDREN

Children under five are naturally curious about fire. Many play with matches and lighters. Tragically, children set over 20,000 house fires every year. Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching your children that fire is a tool, not a toy.

CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Every year over 1,200 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these fire deaths could have been prevented. Seniors are especially vulnerable because many live alone and can't respond quickly.

Tips For Making Your Property Fire Resistant

Create a "Safe Zone” by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet of your home. 30 feet is a minimum safe distance, extend it further if possible.

Keep lawns trimmed very low. Rake and remove dead leaves often.

All tree limbs inside your “Safe Zone” should be cut at least 6 feet above the ground.

Remove all combustible shrubs, (cedars, sage; etc.), that are within 20 feet of your home and from underneath trees inside your “Safe Zone”.

All porch, floor, roof, or attic openings should be enclosed or screened-off to keep embers and sparks from entering the structure. Use wire-mesh screen with openings no wider than one-eighth inch.

Keep roofs and rain-gutters free from debris such as leaves and dead limbs. Consider installing gutter guards if possible.

Stack firewood at least 30 feet away, downhill, from your home.

Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.

Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly.

Post home-address signs, which are clearly visible from the road.

Provide emergency vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at least 12• feet wide with adequate turnaround space.

Replace wood shingle roofs with less combustible roofing as soon as possible.

Burning yard waste is a fire hazard. Check with your local fire agency for fire permit requirements and restricted burning times.

Keep all fire hydrants free from foliage and shrubs.

If you spot a grass fire, do not attempt to fight the fire, immediately call 911 for assistance.

Use caution with outdoor cooking

Do not burn illegally. You must have a permit for outdoor burning.