Aroostook County
Fire Marshal's Office
STATISTIC:
The most shocking statistic is that smoke detectors are not present or are inoperative in over 52% of most homes. This is one area we must strive to correct and insure that we check all our smoke detectors every year and test them every month.
The County’s Fire Marshal’s Office has developed this list of seasonal fire safety tips for you and your family.
IF A FIRE HAPPENS
- Don’t panic - do your best to stay calm.
- Leave the house or apartment quickly. Don’t go back in for any reason.
- If smoke is present, drop to the floor and crawl to the nearest exit. (Air will be cleaner closer to the floor).
- Never use water to put out an electrical fire. This can cause a serious shock hazard.
- If trapped inside and blocked by smoke, close all doors between you and the smoke. Try to seal openings around doors with wet towels. Open a window slightly at the top and bottom for fresh air.
- Feel the door before you exit through it. If the door is hot, leave by another exit.
- Don’t use water to put out a cooking grease fire. Turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames or use an approved class - B fire extinguisher.
- In case of fire, use the stairs, not the elevator, in a multistory building.
- Always use cool water or ice on a skin burn, never grease or butter.
- Plan escape routes from every room and floor to an outdoor meeting place. Be sure everyone in the family knows and practices them. If there is only one exit from the upper floor, have slides or rope ladder available and practice proper use.
- Install smoke detectors on every floor and in hallways leading to bedrooms.
- Change smoke alarm batteries annually, easily remembered if done when changing the clocks for daylight savings time.
- Keep an approved fire extinguisher in the kitchen, boat and car.
- Be sure family members know how to use fire extinguishers.
- Do not use frayed extension cords and do not place extension cords under a rug or near a heat source.
- Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
- Be sure children know their address.
- Have the children practice using 911 or calling their fire department.
- Practice STOP, DROP, and ROLL with your children.
- Make sure your babysitter knows the family’s fire safety rules, escape routes and meeting place.
- If you smoke, do not smoke in bed and never, never walk away from a lighted cigarette.
- Keep ovens, broiling pans, and kitchen exhaust fans clean.
- Keep pot handles out of the reach of children. With small children in the house, turn handles away from front of the stove.
- When frying foods on the stove, do NOT leave unattended.
- Do not wear loose or flowing sleeves when cooking.
- If a fuse or circuit breaker should blow or keeps tripping, find out why and correct the problem. Always use the correct size fuses.
- Make sure your house numbers can be easily seen from the street. This will assist the fire department in case they have to respond to your home.
- Remember, fire engines and emergency vehicles always have the right of way, Pull over and stop.
- Store paints, fuels and all ignitable liquids in a cool, locked metal cabinet. Greasy rags should be stored in a self closing metal container. DO NOT store chemicals that are not compatible together such as pool chemicals, oils, gasoline and cleaning products. If you’re not sure, call your local fire department.
- NEVER leave a grill unattended. NEVER use liquid fuel to start a fire, only approved charcoal lighter.
- Avoid using gas or charcoal grills in enclosed porches or balconies.
- When on trips, check hotel / motel rooms for smoke detectors as well as alternate means of escape.
- Fireworks, including sparklers, are dangerous. Fireworks are illegal, including firecrackers. Leave them to the professionals.
- Use only flashlights in a tent. Never use candles, heaters or stoves.
- Keep your campfire small. When extinguishing fire, pour water or dirt over the coals until they are cool to the touch before leaving the campfire.
- Become familiar with outdoor burning regulations in your area. Most outdoor fires, including burning leaves, are illegal unless approved by the appropriate authority.
- Make sure holiday decorations and children’s costumes are fire retardant.
- Light candles beyond a child’s reach zone only. Keep lit candles away from curtains, off shelves and away from flammables. Put out candles when they’re unattended or before you go to bed.
- Keep space heaters away from furniture and curtains.
- Make sure space heaters are off before you leave the house or go to bed.
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