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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:
o Pull the pin out (this will break the plastic seal used to hold the pin in).
o Aim at the base of the fire with the nozzle, or hose.
o Squeeze the levers together to discharge the extinguisher.
o 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.
FIRE PLAY: When a Child’s Curiosity Can Kill
The real problem is that curiosity about fire is a very normal part of growing up, especially for
boys between 5 & 9. Normal, though does not mean “okay”. Most fires caused by children occur
at home, where there is most danger to lives & property, even when adults are on hand. Only
auto accidents injure more kids than fires.
Discuss fire safety in your home with your family. Ensure your home has a working smoke
detector to help protect you against the threat of fire. Teach your family the dangers of fire, and
how to escape your home if fire should occur. Also, KEEP MATCHES & LIGHTERS OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN! Set a good example by taking special care when using
them. Children learn best by imitating the adults around them.
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.
911 and it's Use
911 is the emergency number to call in the Saratoga Springs area. 911 is for any emergency, and
can be used to receive help from either the fire department, police department, or ambulance.
Children should be taught the emergency number 911, and when to use it.
When teaching children about 911, they should be made aware of its importance. 911 is for
emergencies only, and not for prank calls. Prank calls to 911 unduly tax the 911 system, and may
cause a delay to someone who may really need help. Children should understand that a "1" must
be pressed twice.
When dialing 911, the caller should be ready with some important information to relay to the
emergency operator. This should include the caller’s name, address, phone number, and the
nature of the emergency. Children should be reminded that if they have a fire in their home, they
should get out and call 911 from a neighbor’s house or a nearby pay phone. Remember, 911 calls
made on a pay phone are free.
If you have a fire, get out and stay out, and call 911 from a neighbor’s house
Carbon Monoxide Detector
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. It is produced as a byproduct
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 it’s Importance
In the event of an emergency, are your home or business address numbers visible to emergency
responders? Help the Saratoga Springs Fire & Police Department, along with the ambulance 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.)
Remember; People who live in an apartment building should use the stairways and NOT the elevator to escape to the outside.
Know your escape plan before a fire happens.