Emergency Preparedness

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A FIRE

If a fire was to start or break out, what would you do? Well here is some tips to help out everyone;
  • Have the Fire Department number handy by the phone.
  • Make an escape plan and route to get everyone out and practice it.
  • Try to stay calm, everyone knows its a hard thing to do, but with a clear mind everyone can get out.
  • Have smoke alarms in working order.
  • Have fire extinguishers working and placed around at exits, sleeping areas and more, if its a small fire use the fire extinguisher and call the fire department.
  • Everyone in the house hold learn about fire saftey and always remember the fire department is there to help you.
  • Keep exits clear of stuff.
  • Make sure everyone is out and call your Fire Department. Please and everyone knows DON'T TRY TO BE A HERO.
  • Always call the Fire Department to deal with a fire that is small or big, Firefighters are try trained for this.
  • INFORMATION ABOUT FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

    A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire.

    Extinguishers are available in dry chemical and dry powder types in the US and in water, wetting agent, foam, dry chemical (classes ABC and BC), and dry powder (class D) types in the rest of the world.

    Fire extinguishers can be handheld and mounted on a wall, handheld extinguishers weigh from 0.5 to 14 kilograms (1 to 30 pounds), and are hence, easily portable by hand. Always read the users instructions on how to use the fire extinguisher correctly.

    SMOKE ALARMS

    For fire safety, always make sure that you use the right battery the required battery type is marked on the alarm near where the battery goes and check or test regularly. Smoke alarms installed in a house may be operated from the household electrical power and not need battery replacement. This type of alarm has a "power on" light to tell you that the alarm has power. Smoke alarms are available which run on house power but also have a battery in case the main power fails. Both types of alarms need to be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced yearly just as with the battery-only operated type.

    CARBON MONOXIDE

    Carbon monoxide, with the chemical formula CO, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature. Carbon monoxide has significant fuel value, burning in air with a characteristic blue flame, producing carbon dioxide.

    Carbon monoxide is a significantly toxic gas and is the most common type of fatal poisoning in many countries. Exposures can lead to significant toxicity of the central nervous system and heart. Following poisoning, long-term sequelae often occur. Carbon monoxide can also have severe effects on the fetus of a pregnant woman.

    Symptoms of mild poisoning include headaches and dizziness at concentrations less than 100 ppm. Concentrations as low as 667 ppm can cause up to 50% of the body's hemoglobin to be converted to carboxy-hemoglobin (HbCO) and ineffective for delivering oxygen. Exposures of this level can be life-threatening.

    Despite its serious toxicity, CO plays a highly useful role in modern technology, being a precursor to a myriad of products.

    INDOOR FIRE'S

    Indoor fires are a hazard if not taken care of. Some homes have propane fire places with need carbon monoxide testers inside around the house. Wood stoves and wood burning fireplaces need special care, clean chimneys and stove pipes often. Also have a fire extinguishers and properly working smoke detectors.

    OUTDOOR FIRE'S

    Outdoor fire's can cause some problems; in spring to fall outdoor fires should be always watched and maintained. Outdoor fire pits, you should have some sort of way to put it out or keep it under control. Brush burning you needs a permit from the forestry to burn and have to notify the town, also safety measures in to be taken. Grass burning has safety rules as well under the fire department and town guidelines. Any outside burning should be watched and always have a way to be controlled or extinguished, if the fire gets out of control call the FIRE DEPARTMENT 643-9501.



    Town of Kippens Fire Department © 2011





    Website hosting and design done by
    SJ Works Inc.