Sparky's Fire Safety Tips

1. Draw your floor plan showing every exit.
2. Two Ways Out: Every room should have two ways out. One way out would be the door and the second way out may be a window. If your first way out is blocked by fire or smoke you should use your second way out. Emergency escape from a second story window may involve using a home fire safety ladder. If your escape plan includes an escape ladder, practice using it from a first floor window with a grown-up.
3. Working Smoke Alarms: Make sure your home has a smoke detector outside the sleeping areas and one on every level is recommended. If you sleep with your bedroom door closed, ask a grown-up to install a smoke alarm inside your bedroom. Ask a grown-up to test your smoke alarms each month by pushing the test button, and to replace the batteries twice a year , when the smoke alarm is making a chirping sound the battery is running low.
4. Outside Meeting Place: Pick a family meeting place outside the home, where everyone will meet once they have escaped. A good meeting place would be a tree, a streetlight, or a telephone pole. Be sure to stay a safe distance from emergency vehicles.
5. Lots of Practice: Practice your plan with your family at least twice a year. Get your family together today and practice your "great escape." Remember: Never go back inside a burning building. Get out, and stay out! If you are unable to leave the building, use your passive escape.
• Seal all doors and vents with duct tape or towels to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Open a window at the top and bottom so fresh air can enter. Be ready to close the window immediately if it draws smoke into the room.
• Call the 911 and let them know that you are still inside the building.
• Wave a flashlight or light colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are located.

Also remember:
Stop, drop, and roll if clothes catch fire. STOP immediately where you are. DROP to the ground. ROLL over and over, covering your face and mouth with your hands.

Matches and lighters are not toys. They are tools for grown-ups only. Tell a grown-up if you find matches or lighters. Parents, please secure all matches and lighters to keep your children safe.