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The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters, provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and their families.

We are a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depend on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform our humanitarian mission.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Household fire extinguishers are available at local home improvement stores and other retailers. (Photo Credit: Stock/American Red Cross)

Simple Steps to Prevent Fires

·Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater.

·Provide constant adult supervision during cooking or in rooms with lit candles or fires.Do not leave burning candles unattended.

·Keep matches and lighters away and out of reach of children.

·Teach young children to tell an adult if they see matches and lighters and not to touch them.

·Teach adolescents to resist peer pressure and not to play with fire if curious or bored.

Simple Steps to Make Your Home Safer

·Smoke alarms save lives.Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas.Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month.When necessary, replace batteries immediately.Replace all batteries at least once a year.Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time, so replace your smoke alarm every 10 years.

·Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home.Get training from the fire department in proper use of your extinguishers.

·Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

·Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floors.Learn how to use escape ladders and store them near windows.

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

·Practice your escape plan, especially with children and older adults, at least twice a year and revise as necessary.

Safety Tips During a Home Fire

·Once you are out, stay out!Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.

·If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out.If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it.If the door is warm, 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 brightly colored cloth at the window.If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.  

©2007 American Red Cross of Union County American Red Cross of Union County 608 E. Franklin Street   Monroe, NC 28112
Telephone: Union - 704-283-7402 | Fax: 704-282-0810