MCFRS News Release
Resolve to be Safe in 2011
Rockville, MD - - - Still looking for a New Year’s resolution? The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service suggests making one that can truly benefit you and your family - - resolve to be fire safe in 2011. Now is a great time to ensure your smoke alarm is working, your family has a home fire escape plan and has practiced it with a home fire drill.
“The message in 2011 simple and important,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers. “We’re asking residents to get serious about fire safety in 2011. We know that working smoke alarms and effective fire prevention and safety education has a significant impact on lowering the number of fire-related deaths and injuries. The safety of each and every citizen is important to us and we’re asking residents to resolve to be fire safe in 2011.”
Some fire safety tips to get you started:
- Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home including basements and in all sleeping areas.
- Smoke alarms have expiration dates and should be replaced every ten years, even if they appear to be working. Follow manufacturer recommendations for replacement schedule.
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries changed annually. A “chirping” sound may indicate that your battery is low and needs to be changed right away.
- Do not use stoves as heaters. Be careful when using space heaters and ensure there are no flammable items close to heat sources. Make sure all space heaters are at least three feet (36 inches) from anything that can burn and turn them off when going to sleep or leaving the room.
- Never smoke in bed or in a setting where you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette. Make sure all ashes and cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposing them.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Fireplace ashes can maintain enough heat to re-ignite for several days after a fire. When cleaning out the ashes, always assume they are still hot and use a metal can to contain them in for disposal. The metal can should be stored away from the home (never keep it in an attached garage or on a deck).
- Have a fire escape plan and practice with a home fire drill … tonight!
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