Fire Escape Plan
According to an NFPA survey, only one-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

It’s important for you and your family to have an escape plan ready in case of a fire emergency. Two minutes should be all it takes to get you and your family out of your home- but be prepared to assist children, family members with special needs, and pets.

Here are some tips from Ready.gov:

  • Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
  • Find two ways to get out of each room.
  • If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
  • Only purchase collapsible ladders evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
  • Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
  • Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
  • Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
  • Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Remember if it’s too hot to touch it’s too hot to leave, find a different escape route.

Learn more at Ready.gov and download an Escape Plan Worksheet from the American Red Cross by click here.

Hear the Beep where you SleepA smoke alarm is the only thing that can protect you and your family 24/7. A working smoke alarm increases your chances of surviving a deadly fire significantly.

Here are some more tips from Ready.gov:

  • Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors
  • Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries)
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in and outside of bedrooms, and even in the basement.
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Sleep with your door shut.

It’s important to check your batteries monthly! And to make sure that the fire alarms/detectors of elderly or disabled parents and friends are in working order. Specialized fire alarms are even available for those individuals with hearing and visual disabilities.

A working Carbon Monoxide detector can save your life.

As an odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable gas, CO is an invisible killer. Not many people know they are being exposed to CO because the symptoms feel similar to a flu, with a headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness being just some of the symptoms. Just as important as it is to have fire detectors in your home you should also have CO detectors in your utility rooms, garages, the main living area, and the sleeping areas of your home. Any internal combustion products or equipment, such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers produce CO. CO is also produced by burning of various fuels (e.g. coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, etc.).

If your CO monitor goes off evacuate and call 911. Thousands of deaths occur each year because of CO poisonings.

Help us, Help you.

Make your house number visible. If there is no house number we can’t guarantee it’s the right house. By having your house number clearly on or out front of your home it’s easier for our firefighters, and all emergency services, to identify your house or workplace.

The number one thing to do while cooking is be mindful of your food. Don’t leave food unattended, be alert, and keep the cooking space clean/clear of dish clothes, clothes, paper, etc. Between 2009-2013, two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires started with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Keep a close eye on all food being prepared on the range and in the oven. Call 911 immediately, if the fire becomes out of control and spreads, don’t attempt to fight an out of control fire yourself.

One important tip: never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake. To stop a smoke alarm from sounding, open a window or door and press the “hush” button, wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.

For more safety tips about cooking check out NFPA’s website here.

Remember to Slow Down, Move Over.

We ask that motorists observe the NJ Move Over Law, so we can provide assistance to those in need of help! In short the Law requires that ALL motorists reduce speed and move into another lane when emergency vehicles are passing. For more information click here.

Vehicle Fires

In 2010, firefighters in the USA responded to 200,000 vehicle fires; 285 people were killed. Act fast if your vehicle catches fire, get to a safe stopping location, get everyone out of the vehicle, move away at least 100 feet, and call 911. Do not try and put the fire out yourself, doing so could case the fire to worsen.

If you see a vehicle fire immediately call 911.

Routine maintenance of fuses, oil, wiring, hoses, and tubes can reduce the likelihood of a fire.

Find out more at StateFarm.com.

Wear a Seatbelt  |  Don’t Drink and Drive  |  Don’t Text and Drive

Your life isn’t worth one simple mistake.

For driving and vehicle safety visit the National Safety Council’s website, click here.

Check out some of these websites for information on fire safety and prevention.

Fire Safety and Prevention Resources:

 

Kid Friendly Resources: