Fire Safety Tips

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 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:

              o Pull the pin out (this will break the plastic seal used to hold the pin in).

              o Aim at the base of the fire with the nozzle, or hose.

              o Squeeze the levers together to discharge the extinguisher.

              o 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 neighbor's house.

FIRE PLAY: When a Child’s Curiosity Can Kill

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.

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.

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.

911 and it's Use

911 is the emergency number to call in the Saratoga Springs 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 its 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. 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 caller’s 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.

If you have a fire, get out and stay out, and call 911 from a neighbor’s house

Carbon Monoxide Detector

What is Carbon Monoxide?

 Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. It is produced as a byproduct

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.

House Numbering and it’s Importance

In the event of an emergency, are your home or business address numbers visible to emergency

responders? Help the Saratoga Springs 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.

      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.

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.

     4. Make sure routes are clear, and that the doors and windows on the route can be opened properly.

     5. Crawl while using your escape route, it is safer because heat and smoke rise in a fire

     6. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year with your household members and test your smoke detectors monthly

         while checking the batteries twice a year (A tip to remember is: change your clock, change your batteries).

     7. 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.

                    Know  your escape plan before a fire happens.