Home Safety

Although we like to feel safe at home, approximately two-thirds of our nation's fire deaths happen in the victim's own home. The home is where we are at the greatest risk and where we must take the most precautions. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous gases, not from the flames.

• Smoke Detectors

  

  Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home in time for you to escape, even if you are sleeping. The Hermosa Beach Fire Department strongly recommends that every home have smoke detectors installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and in hallways leading to sleeping areas. Hallways longer than 30 feet should have one on each end. Also, it's important to install smoke detectors inside each bedroom where doors are kept closed when sleeping. Be sure to keep the detector away from wood burning fireplaces and immediate cooking appliances in the kitchen to avoid false alarms.

  Proper mounting of a smoke detector is also important. All battery operated smoke detectors can easily be self installed. When mounting the detector on the ceiling, be sure to mount it at least 18 inches from the wall and corners to avoid dead air spaces. Mounting them in the center of the ceiling is best, but if there is a circumstance where a detector has to be mounted on the wall, make sure to mount it a minimum of 12 inches from the ceiling and 18 inches from the corners. Remember, heat and smoke rise, so keep them mounted high.

  Test detectors every month, always following the manufacturer's instructions, and be sure to replace the batteries each year or as needed. Most detectors will make a chirping, popping, or beeping sound when the battery is getting low. When this sound is heard, make sure to install a fresh battery. Never "borrow" the battery from a smoke detector - a disabled detector won't save your life!

• Cigarette Smoking

  Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be deadly. Provide smokers with large, deep ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding them in the trash. Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.

• Cooking

  Never leave cooking unattended! Many house fires are the result of food left burning on the stove. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear shirts that are short-sleeved or roll up long sleeves when cooking. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them and children can't grab them. Enforce a "Kid Free Zone" three feet around your kitchen stove. If grease catches fire in a pan, the best way to put it out is by sliding a lid (matching or bigger) over the pan to smother it and turning off the heating source. Leave the lid on until it cools.

  Cooling A Burn- If you or someone in your household were to get burned, immediately run cool water over a burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or any type of grease on a burn. If the burned skin area blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.

• Space Heaters

  Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.

• Forced Air Heaters

  During the cold weather months, the fire department experiences fires that are started by forced air heating systems. If gas powered, make sure the pilot light is properly lit. If you have any questions about the operation of lighting the pilot, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or call your local gas company. Also, make sure the filters are replaced at least once a year, depending on amount of usage.

• Electrical Safety

  If an electrical appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Don't overload extension cords and don't run them under rugs and carpeting. Minimize the amount of connections to one outlet. Make sure electrical outlets have cover plates, and if you have small children, place outlet plugs in the non-used sockets.

• Matches and Lighters

  In a child's hand, matches and lighters can be deadly. Use only child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high, where small children can't see or reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys, and should be used only by adults or with adult supervision. Teach young children to tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters. Teach older children to bring matches or lighters to an adult immediately.

Prepare For Fire

• Pre-Plan Escape Route

  E.D.I.T.H. - Exit Drills In The Home. If a fire breaks out in your home, you have to get out fast. Prepare for a fire emergency by sitting down with your family and agreeing on an escape plan. Be sure that everyone knows of at least two unobstructed exits - doors and windows - from every room. If you live in an apartment building, do not include elevators in your escape plan. Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet after they escape. Have the entire household practice the escape plan at least twice a year. If there are any questions about your escape plan or escape routes, stop by the Fire Station and ask one the Firefighters for advice.

• Staying Low

  During a fire, smoke and poisonous gases rise with the heat. The air is cleaner and cooler near the floor. If you encounter a smoky situation, remember to stay low by crawling on the floor. Remember it's the smoke that kills by inhalation, not by fire. Do your best to not breath the smoke, cover your mouth, and take the exit route with the least amount of smoke and fire.

• Stop, Drop, And Roll

  If your clothes catch on fire, don't run. Instead, stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames out.