House/Building Fires

Home Links Contents

Road/ Bridge Department
Sanitarian
Sheriff's Department
Supt. of Schools
Treasurer's Office
Weed Department
Youth Court
Bids
Board Appointments
Building Custodian
Clerk of Court
Clerk & Recorder
Commissioners
Demographics
DES
Drought
Election Information
MSU Extension
Fire Services
Health Dept.
Justice of the Peace
Revenue Dept.

 

Fire is the fourth largest accidental killer in the United States, behind motor vehicle accidents, falls, and drownings. It is also the disaster that families are most likely to experience. Most fires occur when people are likely to be less alert such as between midnight and morning.

A fire can engulf a structure in a matter of minutes. Understanding the characteristics of fire and learning the proper safety practices can be the key to surviving a house or building fire.

The leading cause of death in a fire is asphyxiation. Fire victims seldom see the flames. The heat from a fire can melt clothes and scorch the lungs. At floor level, temperatures average about 90E F, but at eye level rise to 600E. House fires begin with a bright flame then quickly generate a black, choking smoke.

Families can take the following steps to prepare for a potential house fire.

  • Install smoke detectors. Check them once a month and change the batteries twice a year.
  • Develop and practice an escape plan. Make sure all family members know what to do.
  • Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping from every room. Chose a safe meeting place outside the house.
  • Practice alerting other household members. It’s a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom for this purpose.
  • Practice evacuating the building blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke generated by a fire will most likely make it impossible to see.
  • Be sure all family members know how to dial 9-1-1.
  • Purchase collapsible ladders at hardware stores and practice using them.
  • Install ABC type fire extinguishers in the home and teach family members how to use them.
  • Do not store combustible materials in closed areas or near a heat source.
  • Keep the stove area clean and clear of combustibles such as bags, boxes, towels, and other appliances. If a fire starts, put a lid over the burning pan or use a fire extinguisher. However, be careful when moving burning pans. Moving the pan can cause the fire to spread. Never pour water on grease fires.
  • Replace wiring if it is frayed or cracked.
  • Make sure wiring is not under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas. Do not overload outlets or extension cords.
  • Outlets should have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
  • Only purchase appliances and electrical devices that have a label indicating they have been inspected by a testing laboratory.
  • Use portable heaters in well ventilated areas only.
  • Buy only approved heaters and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Have chimneys and wood stoves cleaned annually.

During a house or building fire:
  • Get out as quickly and as safely as possible.
  • Use the stairs to escape. Stay low to the ground and, if possible, cover mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gases.
  • Close doors in each room after escaping to delay the spread of fire.
  • If you are in a room with a closed door:
    • If smoke is pouring in around the bottom of the door or it feels hot, keep the door closed.
    • Open a window to escape or for fresh air while awaiting rescue.
    • If there is no smoke at the bottom or top and the door is not hot, then open the door slowly. If there is too much smoke or fire in the hall, shut the door.
  • Call 9-1-1 from an outside location.
  • Stop, drop to the ground, and roll if clothes catch fire.

[ Up ] [ House/Building Fires ] [ Hazardous Materials ] [ Severe Weather ] [ Flash Floods ] [ Wildfires ] [ Nuclear ] [ Terrorism ]