FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FOR THE HOUSE OWNER

• Don't panic - escape may depend on clear thinking.
  
• If the fire is small, extinguish it with the appropriate fire extinguisher. Do not try to fight a big fire by yourself.
  
• If the fire cannot be extinguished immediately, get out of the house as soon as possible following the planned escape routes. Do not stop to dress or collect valuables.
  
• Keep doors and windows closed unless it is necessary to open them for escape. If you leave a room that is on fire, close the door behind you to limit the amount of oxygen available to the fire. If you leave a room that is not on fire, close the door to limit the amount of smoke and heat damage.
  
• If you are cut-off from your normal exit route, take refuge in a room with an outside window. Get as many closed doors between you and the fire as possible.

• If the fire is contained in a pan or pot, turn off the heat, then smother the flame by placing a lid over the fire or by dowsing it with baking soda. If contained in an oven, close the oven door. Watch out for yourself and clothing. Never move the pan or pot to the sink in an effort to pour the burning contents down the drain - moving it increases air flow and makes the fire flare. Never use water on a grease fire, or try to smother the flames with flour. Do not turn on an overhead fan during a grease fire as the fire and smoke will be carried through the exhaust vent and could contribute to setting the entire house on fire.

• If you suspect a fire, open the door carefully only after feeling it to see if it is hot. If it is hot, do not open - follow an alternate escape route. If the door is cool, brace your shoulder against the door and open it a crack. If smoke and heat come in, slam the door shut and use your alternate escape route.
  
• If you are in bed when the alarm sounds, ROLL out of bed. Keep close to the floor - smoke and hot gasses rise. Breathe through a cloth (wet, if possible) and take short, shallow breaths.

• If your clothing catches fire remember the STOP, DROP and ROLL technique. Wrap yourself in a blanket, if possible. Cross your arms across the chest so that the right hand touches the left shoulder and the left hand touches the right shoulder. Drop to the floor and slowly roll over and over. Lying on the floor and folding the arms keeps the flames away from the face. Rolling over will help cut off air and extinguish the fire. Never run! That stirs more air towards the flames, causing them to intensify..

• If you are trapped in a room, close the door and stuff the cracks to keep the smoke out. If there is a phone in the room, call in your exact location to the fire department, even if they are already on the scene. Children should not hide. Wait at the window and signal ÿwith a sheet or flashlight. Exit through the window if within easy reach of the ground. Lower small children to the ground first, before you exit. If you go first, they may panic and be afraid to follow you. Do not jump from an upper-storey window, except as a last resort. Use an escape ladder, if you have one.
  
• If it is necessary to break a window, use a chair or other heavy object, shielding your face against flying splinters of glass. Remove jagged pieces of glass from the frame.

• Meet at your pre-established meeting place after leaving your house.
  
• Have one member of your household call the Fire Department immediately from a neighbour's telephone. Speaking slowly and clearly, they should tell the Fire Department the location of the fire and should not hang up until they are certain it has been properly understood. If there is an injured or missing person, an ambulance should be called as soon as they finish speaking with the Fire Department.
  
• Never re-enter a burning building.
  
• Meet the firefighters when they arrive. Tell them if there are any missing persons and where you suspect the fire may have originated.

Please read Disclaimer