Fire Safety Tips

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers used properly can be effective against small fires. There are certain conditions that you must follow before attempting to use an extinguisher:

1. First, know how to use the fire extinguisher before an emergency. There is no time to try to read the instructions on its use during a fire.
2. Alert someone to call 911 to alert the fire department. Depending on your occupancy, alerting others may be done by pulling a local alarm box if you have this type of alarm system. 
3. Make sure you have the right fire extinguisher for the class of fire, and that you have an exit to your back in which to escape.  DON’T put a fire between you and an exit in which to escape.
4. Use the “PASS” word as a reminder for using the fire extinguisher:
   • Pull the pin out (this will break the plastic seal used to hold the pin in).
   • Aim at the base of the fire with the nozzle, or hose.
   • Squeeze the levers together to discharge the extinguisher.
   • Sweep the fire from side to side while aiming at the base of the fire.

The Classes of Fires

•  Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.
•  Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, and oil-based paint.
•  Class C: Energized electrical equipment such as a TV, computer, stereo, etc.
•  Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium.

Basic Types of Fire Extinguishers

• ABC Dry Chemical:  Multipurpose type, useful for class A, B, and C fires.
• Carbon Dioxide: Useful on class B and class C fires
• Water: Used only on class A fires
• ABC Dry Chemical: Fire extinguishers are the best type to purchase for the home.

If you have a fire, get out and stay out, and call 911 from a neighbor's house.
 
Extinguishing Grease Fires

Built up grease catches fire easily. Wipe appliance surfaces after spills and clean stove surfaces, ovens and appliances regularly. An appropriate sized lid should be kept near the stove to cover and smother any grease fire contained in a pan. Baking soda can also be used. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Carbon Monoxide Detector:

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. It is produced as a by- product of combustion. (Combustion refers to a heat producing, chemical reaction between some substance and oxygen) Carbon monoxide is abbreviated as "CO". 

What produces Carbon Monoxide? 

Carbon monoxide is produced by gas or oil home appliances and also fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and automobiles; through the exhaust. 

Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it displaces oxygen in the body needed for life. If appliances are improperly vented, Carbon monoxide levels could build up and poison occupants. 

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, which are similar to the flu, are headache, dizziness, fatigue and nausea. 

Protect yourself and your family from the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning by:

1. Install a CO detector with an audible alarm near sleeping areas.
2. Maintain and inspect gas fired home appliances for proper venting. 
3. Do NOT start an automobile in a closed attached garage.

House Numbering and its Importance
In the event of an emergency, are your home or business address numbers visible to emergency responders? Help the East Brentwood Fire Department, along with the Suffolk County Police Department find your address quickly. By ensuring your home or business have its numbers posted, and that they are clearly visible from the street.
 

1. Use numbers at least 4 inches high.
2. Use numbers that contrast the color of your home or business.
3. Ensure that trees or shrubs do not block the view of your numbers; trim back as necessary.
4. Provide lighting to numbers during evening hours to ensure visibility.
5. Check to see if your numbers are indeed visible, by viewing them from the middle of your street.

Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH)
To escape a house on fire; first maintain working smoke detectors in your home, and second; have a plan in which to escape your home in case of fire. EDITH is very important along with having working smoke detectors. Once a smoke detector goes off in your home, members of your household along with yourself should react, by using your preplanned escape route to exit safely from a fire. Use the following steps to develop your escape plan.

1. Plan your escape.
2. Draw a simple floor plan of your home, showing two ways out of each room. 
3. Ensure all household members understand the escape routes from the plan. 
4. Make sure routes are clear, and that the doors and windows on the route can be opened properly.
5. Crawl while using your escape route, it is safer because heat and smoke rise in a fire
6. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year with your household members and test your smoke detectors monthly while checking the batteries twice a year (A tip to remember is: change your clock, change your batteries).
7. Agree on a meeting place outside where everyone can meet after exiting the home. (This will allow for a head count and allow the arriving fire fighters to gain information about possible missing members, and the fire inside.)

ADOPT A FIRE HYDRANT: 
 
The East Brentwood Fire Department is asking our residents to help us out by making sure your nearest fire hydrant is clear and accessible to our Firefighters. During snow storms, please take the time to make sure your neighborhood hydrant is clear of snow, at least 3 feet around and a clear path to the plowed area of the street. This will save crews valuable time if there is a fire on your street. Thank you for your help.

Heating Safety

Wood Stove & Fireplaces
Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful attention to safety can minimize their fire hazard.
To Use Them Safely:

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

 Furnace Heating
It is important that you have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition.

• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
• Is the chimney solid, with cracks or loose bricks? All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Smoke Detectors
What Everyone Should Know... 
Protect Yourself & Your Family Today!


In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape. 


Why Should My Home Have Smoke Alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal--so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home from fire. 

Okay, Where Do I Put Them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or above eye level on the walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. 

Where Would I Get Smoke Alarms?
Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions. 

Are Smoke Alarms Hard To Install?
Not a bit. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. However, be sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer because each brand is different. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. Call your local fire department (again, on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm. 

How Do I Keep My Smoke Alarm Working?
Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to remember:

1. Simply replace the batteries at least once a year. Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a 10-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a “chirping” noise, replace the batteries and retest it.
2. Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.

 
What If The Alarm Goes Off While I'm Cooking?
Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location. 

How Long Will My Smoke Alarm Last?
About 8 to 10 years, after which time they should be replaced. Like most electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want to write the purchase date with a marker on the inside of your unit. That way, you’ll know when to replace it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.