Fire Safety

Recent Recalls

September 16, 2014 – Kidde Recalls Smoke Alarms Due to Malfunction – If a power outage occurs at the same second that a unit is performing a sensor health check, the unit may go into a “latched” mode, causing it not to alert to the presence of smoke. It will sound if it receives a signal from an alarm in the same interconnected system. Once power is restored, a latched unit will sound an alert, regardless of the presence of re and/or carbon monoxide (for combination units) until power to the unit is completely removed. The devise will need to be replaced. More information is available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Kidde-Recalls-Smoke-and-Combination-SmokeCO-Alarms/

May 28, 2014 – Lithonia Lighting Recalls Emergency Lights Due to Fire Hazard – The circuit board can overheat and cause the fixture to melt, catch fire and ignite nearby items, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. More information is available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Lithonia-Lighting-Recalls-Emergency-Lights/#remedy

Safety Information

Whether at home, college or work, fire safety is always a top priority. Here are some tips to help you, your family and friends stay safe.

 Home

1. Install smoke detectors and fire sprinklers Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home and in each bedroom. Test smoke detectors monthly and replace their batteries at least once a year. Detectors more than 10 years old should be replaced. Installing fire sprinklers in your home is another great way to help decrease your risk of a devastating fire.
2. Plan your escape
   Sit down with your family and come up with an escape plan to practice at least twice a year. If a fire breaks out in your home, you have to get out fast. Be sure to know at least two ways out of every room and have a meeting place outside. Click Here to Download a Fire Safety Plan.
3. Crawl low under smoke If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees. During a fire, smoke rises with the heat. The air is cleaner near the floor.
4. Stop, drop and roll
   If your clothes catch fire, don’t run. STOP where you are, DROP to the ground, and ROLL over to smother the flames.
5. Matches and lighters are tools, not toys.
   Use only child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high, where kids can’t see or reach them.
6. Keep an eye on smokers
   Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be fatal. Provide smokers with deep ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding them.
7. Practice candle safety
   Candles are a leading cause of home fires. Never leave a candle unattended and always keep candles away from anything that can burn or where they might be knocked over. Consider using flameless candles instead.
8. Cook carefully
   Never leave cooking unattended. Enforce a “kid-free zone” around your kitchen stove and keep pot handles turned inward. If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat source. Leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.
   
9. Give space heaters space
   Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
   
10. Cool a burn
    Run cool water over a burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never use ice or butter. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
    
11. Use electricity safely
    Never overload electrical circuits, outlets or cords. If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, and have it serviced before using it again. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed. Don’t overload extension cords or run them under rugs. Don’t tamper with your fuse box or use improperly sized fuses.
12. Use outdoor cooking grills and recreational fires with caution.
    Never add gasoline to start or rekindle a fire. Make sure that the grill or fire is away from nearby structures and that children are supervised at all times

 College

1. Choose housing (whether on or off-campus) that has smoke alarms and sprinklers.
2. Only cook in designated areas and never leave cooking unattended.
3. If you smoke, only do so outside the building.
4. Do not overload electrical outlets.
5. Never leave candles unattended. Use flameless candles instead.
6. Always have an escape plan whether in class, at home or at a party.
7. If you hear a fire alarm, don’t just stay in your room. Follow the appropriate escape plan. It may not be a drill.
8. Many colleges and universities have policies regarding candles, cooking appliances and smoking for safety reasons.

 Work

1. Eliminate Fire Hazards
   Keep workspaces clear of combustible clutter, have damaged electrical cords replaced and don’t overload circuits.
2. Know the locations of fire extinguishers and fire alarm stations and how to use them.
3. Have an escape plan
   Know all building exits and participate in workplace fire drills.
4. Report fires or unsafe conditions immediately
   Report unusual odors or defective equipment to a manager immediately. If a fire is detected, pull the fire alarm and/or call 911.
5. Evacuate safely
   Crawl low under smoke, test any doors with the back of your hand to ensure they are cool before you open them and always use the stairs instead of elevators in an emergency.

Carbon Monoxide