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Public Fire Education

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• Home Fire Safety Checklist

  Electrical Hazard

  • Are there enough outlets in every room to avoid the need for multiple attachment plugs and long extension cords?
  • Do you have special circuits for heavy-duty appliances, such as an air conditioner?
  • Are all extensions and appliance cords checked frequently for wear?
  • Do you avoid draping wires and extension cords over pipes or nails?

  Smoking

  • Is "no smoking in bed" a rule in your home?
  • Do you make sure matched and smoking materials are out before disposing of them?
  • If you have a family member using oxygen at home, do you prohibit smoking in the same room with oxygen equipment?
  • Do you keep matches out of reach of children?

  Cooking

  • Is your kitchen range, including the oven or broiler, kept clean of grease?
  • Are curtains near kitchen ranges arranged so that the curtains do not blow over or near the stove?
  • Do your family's everyday cooking habits include not leaving food on the stove unattended and keeping pot handles turned in from the stove's edge?

  Housekeeping Hazards

  • Do you keep your basement, closets, and attic cleared of combustible materials?
  • If you store paint, varnish etc., do you keep the metal containers tightly closed?
  • Has everyone in your family been warned never to use gasoline or other flammable fluids for cleaning anything indoors?

  Plan To Get Out Alive

  • Do you have a home fire escape plan with a pre-determined location to meet outside?
  • Have you practiced your plan?
  • Is there at least one smoke alarm on each floor in your home?
  • Do you test your smoke alarm at least weekly?
  • Is the battery replaced twice a year?
  • Is your smoke alarm less than ten years old?

  FOR FIRE OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1

• Important Smoke Alarm Information

  Why a smoke alarm?

  Most fatal fires occur while people are sleeping. A smoke alarm can alert you when there is a fire in time to save your life.

  How are smoke alarms powered?

  They are powered in two ways:

  • Batteries:
    • Standard nine volt batteries. Change them twice a year when you change your clock for daylight savings time.
    • Lithium Batteries - they last up to ten years.
  • Household current - This type can be interconnected, so that if one sounds they all sound. Choose one with a battery back-up in case of a power failure.

  Where should I install my smoke alarm?

  The best place is on the ceiling in the center of the room. You should have at least one on every level. The best protection is to have one in every bedroom. Install close enough to bedroom to be heard, but don't install near air supply or air return.

  How can I best care for my smoke alarm?

  Dirt, extreme changes in temperature and cooking exhaust can cause a false alarm or malfunction. To prevent false alarms, locate the unit away from air vents, air conditioners and fans. Gently vacuum off any dust on the cover at least once a month using your vacuum's soft brush attachment. Never use water, solvents, or cleaners since they may damage the unit. Test your smoke alarm once a week by using the test button (press and hold for 5-20 seconds until the smoke alarm sounds). A broom handle, or similar device can be used to lightly push the test button for those units out of your reach.

  If any township resident is in need of a Smoke Alarm, 9 Volt Battery, or assistance installing a battery operated Smoke Alarm in their home, please contact the Fire Marshals Office at 215-393-6936.

• Instructing Your Family in a Pre-arranged Evacuation Plan

  Have an escape floor plan. Know two ways out and once you are out, stay out! Make and practice your escape plan with all family members. Remember, most fatal home fires occur at night. Sleep with bedroom doors closed. A smoke alarm can alert you when there is a fire in time to save your life.

  If you should find smoke seeping under the door of your room, feel the door before opening it. If cool, open cautiously and use primary escape route. If the door is hot, use alternate exit. Smoke can kill, so stay close to the ground and crawl.

  Windows offer an alternate escape route. Pick a window with a porch or shed roof under it. Break window if it will not open. Shout and wave so firefighters can rescue you. Once you are out of the house, stay out! Meet at the family assembly point and call 911 from outside of your home.

• Spring Clean Up and Fire Prevention Safety Tips
  • Clean/vacuum your smoke alarms. Make sure you test them weekly, and change the batteries when you change your clocks.
  • Make and practice your home escape plan.
  • Clean up basement, garage and storage areas.
  • Dispose of oil based paints by dropping them off at designated drop off sites listed on Cable Channel 22 or call the Township at (215)393-6900 for times and locations.
  • Check cords and outlets for fraying or exposed wiring on all electrically operated equipment.
  • Check propane grills for loose fittings and leaks before using.
  • Before using propane grills at the beginning of the season, check burner tubes to make sure they are free of obstructions such as insects and spider nests.
  • Use only starter fluid (NEVER GASOLINE) when lighting charcoal grills.
  • Fill lawn mowers, power saws, etc. only outside and when the engine is cool.
  • Never use or store gasoline indoors.
  • Make sure your address is clearly marked on your home.
  • Store swimming pool chemicals properly.
• Safety Tips For Cooking with Charcoal and Gas Grills
  • Keep all grills at least 15 feet from any structure.
  • Only lighter fluid to light charcoal, never gasoline.
  • Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to control flare-ups on a charcoal grill.
  • Don't add lighter fluid after charcoal has been lit.
  • Check the connections of a gas grill with a soapy solution to see if there are any leaks.
  • Don't use damaged or corroded gas tanks.
  • Never store cylinders inside a structure.
• Preventing Electrical Fires

  Toasters, hair dryers, electrical blankets and other everyday appliances cook for you, groom and warm you. But they can also kill you. Overheating, unusual smells, electrical shorts and sparks are all warning signs that household appliances need to be replaced or repaired. Be sure you follow manufacturers' safety precautions.

  Remember, electrical fires can cause tragedies. These simple tips will help protect your home and family.

  • Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
  • Look for outlets that don't work, light switches that are hot to the touch, and lights that flicker.
  • Immediately repair appliances and lamps that sputter or spark.
  • Never overload outlets or extension cords.
  • Replace all frayed or cracked cords.
  • Have a professional check self-wiring projects.
• The Sale and Use of Fireworks in Montgomery Township

  The sale and use of fireworks in Montgomery Township is illegal. The reason is simple - every year fireworks kill and injure many people. They also start many fires. If you wish to enjoy fireworks, go to any of the many professionally sponsored city displays.

• Back to School Safety

  Escape Tips:

  • Respond to every alarm as if it were a real fire.
  • If you're trapped, call the fire department for assistance. Seal your door with wet towels and signal from your window. Open windows slightly at the top and bottom, but close them if smoke comes in.
  • Use the stairs when there's a fire; never use an elevator during a fire.
  • Learn your building's evacuation plan and participate in all fire drills.
  • Test doorknobs and the space around the door with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, try another escape route. If it is cool, open it slowly. Slam it shut if smoke pours through.
  • If you have to escape through smoke, crawl low to your exit. Keeping you head close to the floor, where the air will be the cleanest.
  • Smoke alarms cut your chances of dying in a fire in half. Do not borrow smoke alarm batteries for other purposes.
  • If you hear a fire alarm, leave immediately and close doors behind you.

  Electrical Hazards:

  • Free standing 'torch' halogen lights can be very hazardous. Do not place them where they can be easily knocked over. Also keep them away from curtains or other combustible decorations.
  • Electrical outlets in dorm rooms are limited, do not overload them.
  • Some computer electrical outlet strips are equipped with their own circuit breakers. Never tamper with them or tape the breaker in the closed position.
  • Check extension cords to make sure they are not frayed.
  • If you must use an extension cord, check to see if it is rated properly for the task.
  • Never drape extension cords over pipes or nails.
  • Never place extension cords under carpets, area rugs or the legs of furniture.

  Smoking:

  • Smoke only where it is permitted.
  • Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays.
  • Don't smoke in bed.
• Home Cooking Safety Tips
  • Never wear loose fitting clothes that could catch fire while reaching across the stove. Wear close-fitting clothing, especially sleeves, when you cook or use matches.
  • Keep the cooking area clean and uncluttered.
  • Unplug electric appliances when not in use.
  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • If a fire breaks out in a microwave oven, keep the door closed and unplug the unit. Don't try to remove burning containers from a microwave.
  • If fire breaks out in a frying pan or pot, do not attempt to remove it from the stove, turn off the heat under it and cover with a lid.
• Have Your Heating System Serviced Annually by a Qualified Technician

  With proper use, portable electric space heaters provide warmth and comfort. But space heaters need their space. They aren't drying racks or toasters! Keep anything combustible at least three feet from an electric space heater. Only use dedicated circuits of the proper current rating. If an extension cord must be used, make sure it is of good quality and rated for the electrical load.

  A kerosene heater can reduce you heating bill. It can also become the most dangerous thing in you house if you don't use it right. Buy K-1 kerosene only. Remember, there is no substitute for safety. Don't use gasoline or camp stove fuel. Store kerosene outside in approved containers and refuel outside as well.

  Nothing is cozier than a fire as long as it stays in the fireplace! Something to remember: have your chimney cleaned regularly, because creosote buildup from burning wood can ignite your roof, chimney, or even the whole house.

• Safely Burn Candles in Your Home

  Candles add a cozy touch to your home during the holidays, but if you're not careful, they can be a serious fire hazard as well. According to the NFPA, nearly 7,590 home fires are caused by candles every year. Follow these fire prevention tips to help keep your family safe from the dangers of candles.

  • Be sure to place candles in sturdy, non-combustible holders, and keep them away from decorations and other combustible materials. Check candles frequently to make sure they don't burn down too far.
  • Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, up high and out of the reach of children.
  • Don't display lit candles in windows or near exits in case you need to these to escape.
  • Under no circumstance is it safe to use lit candles to decorate Christmas trees!
• "Safety" Gift Ideas

  Put together a gift basket of one or more of the following items:

  • Three smoke alarms and batteries.
  • A quality fire extinguisher.
  • A flashlight and batteries or light sticks.
  • A first-aid kit.
  • A Carbon Monoxide detector.
  • A mobile phone.
  • A second floor escape ladder
  • "Emergency kit" with energy bars, water, battery radio, flashlight/light sticks and a first-aid kit packed in a small travel bag.
• Christmas Tree Safety Tips
  • Choose a fresh cut Christmas tree.
  • Make sure it is not shedding its needles.
  • Cut the trunk and install in a large non-tip stand, well away from fireplaces, exits and heat sources.
  • Water frequently, check the level daily.
  • Remove your tree promptly if it becomes dry.
  • If you use an artificial tree, be sure it's flame retardant.
• Keep Matches and Lighters Out of the Hands of Children.
  • Use child-resistant lighters.
  • Keep all lighters and matches up high, out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • A lighter is not a toy. Never use a lighter as a source of amusement for children.
  • Teach young children to tell a grown-up when they find matches and lighters.
  • Never leave young children unattended, even for short periods of time.

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