IS YOUR HOME FIRE SAFE?
Most fire deaths and injuries occur in the home.
Is your home fire safe?
Those most likely to die in home fires are children under five years old and adults over 65.
The United States and Canada have the highest fire death rates of any industrialized
countries.
Why?
The problem is people, and their lack of awareness about the importance of making fire
safety a part of their everyday lives.
IS YOUR FAMILY FIRE SAFE?
Nearly all home fires are preventable. Each of us can share the responsibility of keeping
fires from starting. The Newburgh Hts Fire Department encourages everyone to review our
Fire Safety Checklist to see how safe their home is. Each item you are not able to check off
is an opportunity for you to take the steps necessary to keep your home fire safe.
IS YOUR APT / CONDO FIRE SAFE?
With skyrocketing property values, more and more people are moving into apartments or
condominiums. The chance a fire will start in an apartment is the same as in a house, yet
the potential for growth is much greater. Instead of displacing one family, a fire in an
apartment or condominium can force many families out of their homes.
Preparation is key. When you hear the building fire alarm take it seriously. Every second
you delay wastes valuable time you need to escape. For this reason you should regularly
practice a home escape plan. If a fire starts in your building you must know how to get out
quickly. Don’t wait to find out the severity of the situation. Time counts. Your home escape
plan should include two ways out of your apartment and an outside meeting place away
from the building.
Remember to not use the elevator during a fire emergency. If you are unable to use the
stairs, stay in your apartment and call 911. Tell the dispatcher where you are and ask for
help. If the fire is in your unit, quickly go to the stairwell, pull the fire alarm, and wait on the
stair landing for help.
With skyrocketing property values, more and more people are moving into apartments or
condominiums. The chance a fire will start in an apartment is the same as in a house, yet
the potential for growth is much greater. Instead of displacing one family, a fire in an
apartment or condominium can force many families out of their homes.
Preparation is key. When you hear the building fire alarm take it seriously. Every second
you delay wastes valuable time you need to escape. For this reason you should regularly
practice a home escape plan. If a fire starts in your building you must know how to get out
quickly. Don’t wait to find out the severity of the situation. Time counts. Your home escape
plan should include two ways out of your apartment and an outside meeting place away
from the building.
Remember to not use the elevator during a fire emergency. If you are unable to use the
stairs, stay in your apartment and call 911. Tell the dispatcher where you are and ask for
help. If the fire is in your unit, quickly go to the stairwell, pull the fire alarm, and wait on the
stair landing for help.
SMOKE ALARM FACTS:
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are properly installed and functioning. Most fire fatalities happen in homes without working
smoke alarms.
Smoke Alarm Facts
Free Smoke Alarms for Qualified Home Owners
Smoke Alarms in Rental Property
SMOKE ALARM FACTS
Install
-The Newburgh Hts Fire Department recommends that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the
basement. Even better is one in every bedroom. Smoke alarms are designed to wake you up if a fire starts while you are sleeping. Be
sure your smoke alarms are near bedrooms and other sleeping areas in your home.
Test
-When was the last time you heard your smoke alarm? Battery-operated alarms should be tested once a month to make certain they
are working.
Change
-Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year. The Newburgh Hts Fire Department recommends you do this when we
change our clocks to Daylight Savings Time each fall. Install a new battery immediately if an alarm “chirps” to indicate a low battery.
-A ten-year lithium battery smoke alarm does not need to have its battery changed. Replace smoke alarms that use extended-life,
lithium batteries when the alarm “chirps” or fails to respond to periodic testing. The batteries in these units cannot be replaced.
False Alarms
-Use the hush button to silence a false alarm. Never disconnect or remove the battery. If your smoke alarm does not have a hush
button use a magazine or kitchen towel to wave fresh air into the detection unit
Replace
-Replace your smoke alarm every ten years. After ten years, your smoke detector will have been working consecutively for 87,000
hours. No other appliance in your home works this long. If you do not know how old your smoke alarm is, or if it is ten years or older,
replace it as soon as possible.
DO YOU RENT AND NEED A SMOKE ALARM?
-Whether you live in a rented house or apartment, your landlord is required to provide you with a working smoke alarm. Tenants are
responsible for maintaining the smoke alarm(s) in good working condition.
-If your rental property does not have a smoke alarm, inform your landlord of this obligation. If you are having difficulty communicating
with your landlord about this matter please contact the fire department
| Newburgh Heights Fire Dept |
| General Knowledge |
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