Home fire safety

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Elmendorf officials continue to conduct Fire Prevention Week. 

Fire is one of the most common disasters and causes more deaths than any other type of disaster. More than 70 percent of fire deaths occur in the home. Fire does not have to be deadly. Take precautions to make your home safe and have an escape plan. Family members should discuss, finalize, and practice frequently a personalized fire plan. 

Make your home fire safe
· Smoke detectors save lives. Install smoke detectors in each sleeping room outside of each sleeping area and on each additional level of your residence. Keep new batteries on hand. 

· Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace batteries at least once a year. 

· Have a working/charged fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage area 

· Use the gauge to check proper pressure. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, replace it or have it professionally serviced. Get training from the fire department on how to use the fire extinguisher. 

· Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, furniture, and toys away from portable and static heaters. 

· Plug heaters directly into the wall socket and unplug them when they are not in use. 

· Keep items away from the stove that could catch fire. 

· Use safety plugs in electrical outlets, especially if you have small children. 

· Avoid overloading electrical outlets and running cords under carpet and furniture. 

· Teach children about fire safety and when and how to call 9-1-1 

· Report hazardous conditions 

· Keep gutters and chimneys free of debris 

Plan your escape routes
· Draw a floor plan of your home. Determine at least 2 ways to escape from every room of your home. 

· If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it. 

· Select a location outside your home where everyone will meet after escaping. 

· Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. 

· Once you are out, stay out! 

· Know how to call for emergency assistance. 

Escape safely
· If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape. 

· If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, use your second way out. 

· If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. 

Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are. 

Remember, the best way to put out a fire is to prevent it from starting in the first place. If one does start, know how to do it the right way. (Courtesy of 8th U.S. Army Command Safety and 3rd Wing Safety Office)