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Safety
Tips
 Smoke
Detectors
On
April 6th of every year, change your clock and
change your batteries in your smoke detectors.
Batteries
weaken with time and should be replaced regularly.
When you change your clocks, change your smoke
detector batteries. Remember to also test your
smoke detector’s monthly to ensure that the unit
is working. Testing your smoke detector is usually
accomplished by pressing the “test” button on
the face of the smoke detector. If your smoke
detector does not sound, check the battery. If
it still will not sound after a new battery is
installed, replace the entire unit with a new
smoke detector. Smoke detectors should generally
be replaced every ten years. You may also clean
your smoke detector yearly by vacuuming out the
dust. As a reminder; never paint any part of a
smoke detector.
When
installing a new smoke detector, please follow
the manufactures suggested guidelines that come
with the smoke detector. Addition information
may be requested from the Rochester Fire Department’s
Community Relations and Education Unit. We have
various pamphlets available, including ones on
smoke detectors for your request. Additional reference
on smoke detectors may be found at the following
websites:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/firewww.html
http://www.statefarm.com/homesafety.htm
http://www.firstalert.com
http://www.energizer.com/learning/FireSafety.asp
[top]
 Fire
Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers used properly can be effective
against small fires. There are certain conditions
that you must follow before attempting to use an
extinguisher;
1) First, know how to
use the fire extinguisher before an emergency.
There is no time to try to read the instructions
on its use during a fire.
2)
Alert other occupants that there is a fire so
they may exit, and for someone to call 911 to
alert the fire department. Depending on your occupancy,
alerting others may be done by pulling a local
alarm box if you have this type of alarm system.
3)
Make sure you have the right fire extinguisher
for the class of fire, and that you have an exit
to your back in which to escape. DON’T put a fire
between you and an exit in which to escape.
4)
Use the “PASS” word as a reminder for using the
fire extinguisher:
| P |
pull
the pin out
(this will break the plastic seal used to
hold the pin in) |
| A |
aim
at the base of the fire with the nozzle,
or hose |
| S |
squeeze
the levers together to discharge the extinguisher
|
| S |
sweep
the fire from side to side while aiming
at
the base of the fire |
The
classes of fires:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles
such as wood, cloth, and paper
- Class B: Flammable liquids
such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, and oil-based
paint
- Class C: Energized electrical
equipment such as a TV, computer, stereo, etc.
- Class D: Combustible metals
such as magnesium
Basic
types of fire extinguishers:
- ABC Dry Chemical: Multipurpose
type, useful for class A, B, and C fires
- Carbon Dioxide: Useful on class
B and class C fires
- Water: Used only on class A
fires
ABC
Dry Chemical fire extinguishers are the best type
to purchase for the home.
If
you have a fire, get out and stay out, and call
911 from a neighbors house.
To
receive additional fire safety information related
to other topics. Contact the Fire Department’s
Community Relations and Educational Unit at 428-3672.
We have various pamphlets available, including
ones on fire extinguishers and firefighters to
answer questions.
[top]
 FIRE
PLAY: When a Child’s Curiosity Can Kill!
The
Fire Related Youth services or (FRY) of the Rochester
Fire Department was developed to deal with a very
serious concern; fires involving youths. At least
40% of all set fires involve youngsters, and 65%
of those are caused by children between 5 &
9 years old experimenting with matches & lighters.
The
real problem is that curiosity about fire is a
very normal part of growing up, especially for
boys between 5 & 9. Normal, though does not
mean “okay”. Most fires caused by children occur
at home, where there is most danger to lives &
property, even when adults are on hand. Only auto
accidents injure more kids than fires.
The
Rochester’s Fire Departments Fire Related Youth
services can HELP! Trained firefighter investigators
experienced with youngsters, and fire educational
teaching skills welcome the chance to talk to
any child, and/or family in need. FRY’s goal is
to educate through intervention, and NOT punish.
FRY has a 94% success rate with first time fire
offenders. FRY’s education intervention is not
just an individual contact, but an involvement
with the entire family of those affected.
Discuss
fire safety in your home with your family. Ensure
your home has a working smoke detector to help
protect you against the threat of fire. Teach
your family the dangers of fire, and how to escape
your home if fire should occur. Also, KEEP
MATCHES & LIGHTERS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
Set a good example by taking special care when
using them. Children learn best by imitating the
adults around them.
If
you need any further information, or help with
this topic, please call The Fire Related Youth
services department at 428-7103. To receive additional
fire safety information related to other topics.
Contact the Fire Department’s Community Relations
and Educational Unit at 428-3672. We have various
pamphlets available, and firefighters to answer
your questions.
[top]
 Kitchens
Kitchens
can be a dangerous area in the home and account
for a high number of fires and injuries.
The
reason most cooking fires happen is that someone
leaves the kitchen when there is something cooking
on the stove. Watch the stove, so you’ll be able
to respond quickly if food bubbles up or if something
goes wrong. It is important to pay attention to
the cooking area and remove hazards, such as knick-knacks
or other combustibles that are placed too close
to the burners. Prevent kitchen fires by following
a few basic fire safety tips: Be alert while using
kitchen appliances, Don’t leave cooking unattended,
Keep kitchen appliances clean, and keep flammable
objects clear of the stove.
Extinguishing
Grease Fires:
Built
up grease catches fire easily. Wipe appliance
surfaces after spills and clean stove surfaces,
ovens and appliances regularly. An appropriate
sized lid should be kept near the stove to cover
and smother any grease fire contained in a pan.
Baking soda can also be used. Never use water
to extinguish a grease fire.
Please
feel free to contact the Rochester Fire Department’s
Community Relations and Education Unit with any
fire related questions at (716)428-3672.
[top]
911 and it's use
 911
is the emergency number to call in the Rochester
area. 911 is for any emergency, and can be used
to receive help from either the fire department,
police department, or ambulance.
Children should be taught the emergency number
911, and when to use it.
When
teaching children about 911, they should be made
aware of it’s importance. 911 is for emergencies
only, and not for prank calls. Prank calls to
911 unduly tax the 911 system, and may cause a
delay to someone who may really need help. A common
mistake by Rochester area children with 911 is
confusing it with the police non-emergency number
311. 311 is not an emergency number, and is used
for non-emergency police service. Another common
mistake small children make with 911 is believing
that the "11" part of 911 is actually
an eleven. Children should understand that a "1"
must be pressed twice.
When
dialing 911, the caller should be ready with some
important information to relay to the emergency
operator. This should include the callers name,
address, phone number, and the nature of the emergency.
Children should be reminded that if they have
a fire in their home, they should get out and
call 911 from a neighbor’s house or a nearby pay
phone. Remember, 911 calls made on a pay phone
are free.
To
receive additional fire safety information related
to other topics. Contact the Fire Department’s
Community Relations and Educational Unit at 428-3672.
If you
have a fire, get out and stay out, and call 911
from a neighbors house.
[top]
Carbon
Monoxide Detector
What is Carbon
Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless,
odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. It is produced
as a by- product of combustion. (Combustion refers
to a heat producing, chemical reaction between
some substance and oxygen) Carbon monoxide is
abbreviated as "CO". What
produces Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide
is produced by gas or oil home appliances and
also fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and automobiles;
through the exhaust. Why is Carbon Monoxide
dangerous? Carbon
monoxide is dangerous because it displaces oxygen
in the body needed for life. If appliances are
improperly vented, Carbon monoxide levels could
build up and poison occupants.
Symptoms
of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, which are similar
to the flu, are headache, dizziness, fatigue and
nausea.
Protect
yourself and your family from the threat of carbon
monoxide poisoning by:
1) Install
a CO detector with an audible alarm near sleeping
areas
2) Maintain
and inspect gas fired home appliances for proper
venting
3) Do
NOT start an automobile in a closed attached
garage
To receive additional
fire safety information related to other topics,
contact the Fire Department’s Community Relations
and Educational Unit at 428-3672.
[top]
House
Numbering and its importance
In
the event of an emergency, are your home or business
address numbers visible to emergency responders?
Help the Rochester Fire & Police Department,
along with the ambulance find your address quickly.
By ensuring your home or business have its numbers
posted, and that they are clearly visible from
the street.
As
a reference, Rochester City Code Chapter 61 outlines
specific requirements for house numbering in the
City of Rochester. Follow these general hints
to help ensure your numbers are visible:
1)
Use numbers at least 4 inches high
2)
Use numbers that contrast the color of
your home or business
3)
Ensure that trees or shrubs do not block the
view of your numbers; trim back as necessary
4)
Provide lighting to numbers during evening hours
to ensure visibility
5)
Check to see if your numbers are indeed visible,
by viewing them from the middle of your street
[top]
Exit
Drills In The Home (EDITH)
To
escape a house on fire; first maintain working
smoke detectors in your home, and second; have
a plan in which to escape your home in case of
fire. EDITH is very important along with having
working smoke detectors. Once a smoke detector
goes off in your home, members of your household
along with yourself should react, by using your
preplanned escape route to exit safely from a
fire. Use the following steps to develop your
escape plan.
1)
Plan your escape
2)
Draw a simple floor plan of your home, showing
two ways out of each room
3)
Ensure all household members understand the
escape routes from the plan
(Make
sure routes are clear, and that the doors and
windows on the route can be opened properly.
Crawl while using your escape route, it is safer
because heat and smoke rise in a fire)
4)Practice
your escape plan at least twice a year with
your household members and test your smoke detectors
monthly while changing the batteries twice a
year (A tip to remember is: change your
clock, change your batteries)
5)Agree
on a meeting place outside where everyone can
meet after exiting the home (This will allow
for a head count and allow the arriving fire
fighters to gain information about possible
missing members, and the fire inside)
Remember; People who
live in an apartment building should use the stairways
and NOT the elevator to escape to the outside.
Some high-rise buildings may use a "defend
in place" plan dependant on the fire location.
Know your escape plan before a fire happens.
Additional information on EDITH, with blank floor plan
grids may be found at:
http://www.nfpa.org/Education/fpwhome/fpwhome.asp
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/firesafe/lessons.html
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/ep.htm
[top]
|
Smoke
Detectors