If you wake up and you can see or smell smoke:

• Roll out of bed.
• Stay low to the floor and crawl to the door. Smoke fills a room from the ceiling down.
• Test the door with the back of your hand.
• If the door is hot, go to another exit use your second way out.
• If the door is cool, open it slowly and go to your meeting place outside the home.
• Use your neighbor's phone and call for help (DIAL 911).
• NEVER go back in your home.

Smoke Detectors If there is a fire in your home, your chance for survival is two times better when a smoke detector is present. Over 6,000 people die in home fires each year. Most people die from the effects of SMOKE and toxic gases rather than the fire itself. Protect yourself and your family by purchasing, installing and maintaining SMOKE DETECTORS in your home. Smoke detectors can be either house current (hard-wired) or battery operated. Either type is approved for household use and will over double your chance of survival if installed in your home. Make sure the model you choose has been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. A smoke detector may be purchased at most retail stores for about $10.00 - $30.00.

There should be a least one smoke detector in every household. The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety suggests that there is one working smoke detector in each sleeping room. With a minimum of one outside in the hall areas near each sleeping room. You can never have too many smoke detectors in your home. Each additional detector will significantly increase your chances of survival in a fire. Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall. Locate your smoke detector away from air outlet vents. Read the manufactures installation guidelines or call your local fire department for advice on the best place to install your detectors.

Battery-operated detectors can be attached directly to the ceiling or wall. "Hard wired" electric detectors are somewhat more difficult to install and may require an electrician

Change the batteries in your Smoke Detector twice a year. When you change your clock at daylight savings time, change your smoke detector battery!

Exit Drills in the Home

Thousands of Americans die each year in home fires and tens of thousands are injured. People can survive even major fires in their homes if they are alerted to the fire and get out quickly and stay out.

• First step, Install smoke detectors and keep them in working order. Make an escape plan and "practice" it. Consider installing an automatic fire-sprinkler system in your home.
• Second step, know how to get out. Once a fire has started, there is no time to plan how to get out. Sit down with your family today, and make a step-by-step plan for escaping a fire.
• Third step, have a drawn floor Plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room - especially the sleeping areas. Discuss your home escape routes with every member of your household.
• Forth step, have a pre-designated meeting place outside where every member of the household will gather outside your home after escaping a fire to wait for the fire department. This allows you to account for everyone in your family and inform the fire department if anyone is missing or trapped inside the burning building.
• Fifth step, practice your escape plan at monthly. Have regular fire drills in your home. Appoint someone to monitor the drills, and have everyone participate. A fire drill is not a race. Get out quickly, but carefully. Pretend that some exits are blocked by fire, and practice alternative escape routes. Make sure everyone in the household can unlock all doors and windows quickly, even in the dark. Windows or doors with security bars need to be equipped with quick-release devices, and everyone in the household should know how to use them.
• If you live in an apartment building, use stairways to escape. NEVER use an elevator during a fire. It may stop between floors or take you to a floor where the fire is burning. Some high-rise buildings may have evacuation plans that require you to stay where you are and wait for the fire department.
• If you live in a multi-story house and you must escape from an upper story window, , be sure there is a safe way to reach the ground, such as a fire-resistant fire escape ladder. Make special arrangements for children, older adults and people with disabilities. People who have difficulty moving should have a phone in their sleeping area and , if possible, should sleep on the ground floor.
• Test doors before opening them, while kneeling or crouching at the door, reach up as high as you can and with the back of your hand touch the door, the knob, and the crack between the door and its frame. If you feel any warmth at all, use another escape route. If the door feels cool, open it with caution. Put your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. Be prepared to slam it shut if there is smoke or flames on the other side.
• If you are trapped, close all doors between you and the fire. Stuff the cracks around the doors to keep out smoke. Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or by waving a light colored cloth. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and report exactly where you are.

GET OUT FAST . . .

In case of a fire, don't stop for anything. Do not try to rescue possessions or pets. Go directly to your meeting place, and then call the fire department from a neighbor's phone, a portable phone, or an alarm box. Every member of your household should know how to call the fire department.

Crawl low under smoke. Smoke contains deadly gases. During a fire, cleanest air will be near the floor. If you encounter smoke when using your primary exit, use an alternative escape route. If you must exit through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head as close to the floor as possible. Once you are out of your home, don't go back for any reason. If people are trapped, the firefighters have the best chance of rescuing them. The heat and smoke of a fire are overpowering. Firefighters have the training, experience, and protective equipment needed to enter burning buildings.

If Your Clothes Catch Fire - Stop Drop and Roll

• STOP - Do not run. Stand still. Running creates air movement, and fire needs air to grow.
• DROP - To the Ground or floor immediately and cover your face with your hands.
• ROLL - Back and forth side to side to smother the flames.

FIRST AID

Every home should have a first aid kit. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together yourself, make sure it has all the items you may need. A first aid kit should contain:

• Flashlight and batteries - in case the power goes out in your home.
• Tweezers and scissors - to remove splinters and to cut tape and gauze.
• Emergency blanket - to wrap victim to minimize shock.
• Triangular bandages - to hold dressings or splints in place.
• Antiseptic towelettes - to clean cuts and scrapes and rescuers' hands.
• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
• Sterile gauze pads - to place over wounds.
• Sterile non-stick pads - to place over wounds.
• Elastic bandages - to secure a splint, bandage or apply compression.
• Adhesive tape - to secure bandages.
• Antiseptic ointment - to prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, and minor burns.
• Latex/gloves - to protect against disease transmission.
• Plastic bags - for an ice pack.
• Instant cold pack - for reducing pain and swelling.
• Syrup of ipecac - to induce vomiting in case of poison ingestion.
• Activated charcoal - to absorb and neutralize ingested poisons.
• Emergency numbers - poison control center, etc.

Minor Cuts

• Cleanse the wound and dry the area thoroughly.
• Apply a sterile bandage over the wound.
• Change the bandage if it becomes wet or dirty.
• An elastic bandage, also called a pressure bandage, can also be used to control bleeding.
• To apply an elastic bandage: Secure the bandage over the dressing. Use overlapping turns to cover the dressing completely. Tie or tape the bandage in place. Check the fingers for warmth, color and feeling.

Scrapes

• Cleanse affected area and dry thoroughly.
• Cover the wound with a sterile, non-stick pad applied with first aid tape or apply a thin dressing. If the pad or dressing is being used over a joint, bend the joint during application.
• Observe condition of wound daily for signs of healing.
• If you suspect infection, consult your physician.

Minor burns

• Stop the source of the burn.
• Cool the burn under cool water until the pain subsides.
• Gently blot dry with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
• Apply an antiseptic spray or ointment, if desired.
• Cover loosely with a dry, clean dressing. Change the dressing as needed.
• Observe the condition of the wound daily for signs of healing.

Note: For more serious burns (skin becomes white or charred), do not apply water, antiseptic sprays, Ointments or home remedies. Call 9-1-1 or local emergency number.

Blisters

• Do not break the blister - If blister is open or broken, cleanse and remove all dirt from the area, then dry thoroughly.
• Cover the blister with an adhesive bandage to cushion and protect it. If the dressing is being used over a joint, bend the joint during application.
• Observe the condition of wound daily for signs of healing. - If you suspect infection, consult your physician.

Closed Wound

A closed wound, such as a bruise, usually does not need special medical care. You can use direct pressure on the area to cut down bleeding under the skin. Raising the injured part also will help reduce swelling. Apply cold pack to help control pain and swelling.

Splinters

• Clean a pin, needle or tweezers with rubbing alcohol and cleanse the skin area of the splinter.
• Remove the splinter with the clean needle, pin or tweezers. CAUTION: Foreign objects/splinters that are deeply embedded below the skin should be left for removal by a physician. If you suspect infection, consult your physician.
• After splinter removal, thoroughly cleanse the affected area using firm pressure and small circular motions. Dry the wound area with sterile gauze, a clean cloth or a cotton pad.
• Bandage the wound using a spot bandage.

Sprains

• Clean the injured area.
• If the skin is broken, apply a sterile bandage.
• Elevate the injury to help reduce the swelling.
• Apply a cold pack to the injured area. The cold pack may be secured to the injury with an elasticized bandage. Do not wrap too tightly. Compressing the pack and wrap on the injury will help minimize swelling. Remove the cold pack after 20 minutes.
• Reapply the elastic bandage and elevate the injured area again.
• Reapply cold pack regularly (waiting at least 20 minutes between applications) for up to 48 hours after the injury. If swelling and/or pain have not improved, consult your physician.
• Call 9-1-1 or local emergency number for medical care if necessary (e.g., allergic reaction).

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas that has the potential to be deadly. Stoves, water heaters, furnaces and cars can produce carbon monoxide. At low exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning is often mistaken for the flu or a cold. Symptoms include headache, nausea and fatigue. If you detect these symptoms, especially in children, for several days or more, see a physician and have your home checked by a professional for sources of carbon monoxide. You can minimize the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning by following these procedures:

• Have your chimney, fireplace and venting pipes checked and cleaned annually.
• Be sure your heating appliances are properly installed and vented. If you choose to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors, follow manufacturer's instructions for installation, testing and replacement.

Electrical Checklist

Electrical Cords

• Replace frayed or cracked cords.
• Remove cords from under carpeting or furniture.
• Avoid overloading extension cords.
• Read the label on (UL) or (FM) approved cords for proper electrical rating.

Electrical Appliances

• Replace or repair appliances that do not operate properly.
• Plug in portable appliances only when in use.
• Do not cut the third prong off your appliance plug. The third prong is there to prevent electric shock.
• When you shop for appliances or tools, look for recognizable Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label or Factory Mutual (FM) label.

Lightbulbs

• Unnecessarily high wattage may lead to fire through overheating.
• Replace with a bulb of the correct type and wattage.
• If you are not sure, only use a 60-watt bulb.

Emergency Phone Procedure

If you need immediate assistance from the police or fire department, the number to call is 9-1-1. This number should only be used for emergency situations. Teach young children the number and explain it should only be used in emergencies. All departments have none emergency numbers and they should be kept handy as well for police or fire assistance which is not of an emergency nature.

Winter Safety

Winter is definitely here and while heating appliances and fireplaces make life comfortable, they're also a major cause of home fires and other problems.

Portable heaters should be Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed and shut off automatically if tipped over. They should be kept in good condition with no frayed wires. They should be cleaned regularly. Small children should never be left unattended in the same room with a portable heater, even for a minute. Keep all combustible items, including newspapers, bed linens, furniture, and draperies at least three feet away. Any heating appliance should be plugged directly into a wall outlet - not into an extension cord.

Stationary home furnaces should be kept free of dust and the filters should be changed regularly. Keep all combustible items at least three feet away. Consult your owner's manual, gas, or electric company if you have any concerns about the operation of your furnace. Repairs or modifications should be made only by qualified service technicians.

Using a barbecue or hibachi type stove for indoor heating purposes gives off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide when they burn. Kerosene heaters should not to be used in the home, either, because they remove oxygen from the air.

Every fireplace should have a sturdy screen across the front to prevent embers from flying or logs from rolling out. A spark arrestor across the top of a chimney will prevent sparks from igniting your roof or your neighbors'. Combustible items, including extra firewood, should be kept at least three feet from the fireplace opening. If you use manmade logs in your fireplace, follow package directions carefully, don't attempt to break a log up. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or any other type of flammable liquid to start a fireplace fire.

The fireplace is no place to burn gift-wrappings, trash, or other debris. Burning these items can create and release toxic fumes or cause excessive heat that can damage the fireplace. When clearing ashes from the fireplace, be sure to put them into a metal container with a lid - never into a cardboard box or paper bag. Otherwise, the embers are capable of smoldering for days with disastrous results. The chimney should be cleaned by a qualified professional at least once a year - more if it's used extensively. Chimney sweeps can be found in the yellow pages.

Cooking Safety

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires in Escondido. Do your part to prevent burns and cooking fires in your home.

• Pay attention to your cooking. Don't overheat grease. If you have to leave the stove to answer the phone or doorbell, turn off the heat. Taking a spoon or hot pan holder with you will remind you that you're cooking and need to return to the kitchen. Never leave anything cooking on the stove overnight.
• Turn all pot and pan handles toward the center of the stove to prevent accidental overturning.
• Keep combustible items like napkins, towels, and trash away from the stove. Never use the oven or oven handle for storage. Make certain that curtains cannot be blown by the wind into a flame or other heat source. Avoid wearing frilly clothing or long, floppy clothes while cooking.
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll until the flames are extinguished.
• Keep potholders handy and use them, even when removing food from the microwave.
• In case of a frying pan fire, slide a lid on it and turn off the heat. If a lid is not available, use a cookie sheet, wooden breadboard, or larger pan. Never attempt to move a pan that is on fire and never use water, salt, or flour on a grease fire.
• If you have a fire extinguisher handy, know how to use it before the fire starts. Fire extinguishers are for small fires only.
• If you are unable to extinguish a fire easily, leave the house immediately and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's phone.

Residential Fire Sprinklers

Nearly once every minute, somewhere in America, a fire department is called to a home fire. Fire in the United States kills more people than any other natural disaster, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and blizzards. The rate of death from fire in the United States is significantly higher than in other industrialized nations. The economic implications of fire loss are staggering, such as the cost of fire fighting services, the disruption of business operations after a fire, and the medical costs for those injured. When these costs and the human and property losses directly due to fire are combined, the true cost of fire exceeds $100 billion a year. Additionally, there is very substantial psychological trauma from injury. The residential fire problem in the United States accounts for three quarters of fire deaths and two thirds of the injuries to civilians. Residential fires also account for more fire fighter injuries than any other type of fire. The Major cause of civilian fire death is from smoking materials. This accounts for three of every ten deaths and most begin with the ignition of upholstered furniture, mattresses, or bedding.

Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires. Most fires involve portable or space heaters. Cooking equipment is to blame for the most home fire injuries.

Child fire play, typically involving matches or lighters, accounts for only one every twelve fire deaths but is the leading cause of the preschool fire deaths, accounting for three of every ten. Electrical equipment accounts for a much smaller share of the home fire problem than most people realize but usually although electrical are caused by some form of human error. The majority of home electrical fires involve code violations, disrepair of equipment or operator error.

It is important to recognize that human error is the constant factor in the causes above. Americans are similarly careless about fire. These causes show no preference for new or older homes, for wealth or poverty, or for race or religion. Improvements have been made though, fire officials at local, state and federal levels, as well as private sector leaders, have mounted a significant attack on America's fire problem. This year the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced a drop in the death rate due to fire to the lowest level in at least eighty-four years. These improvements in fire death rates have occurred for several reasons Fire departments are better equipped and better trained than they were twenty years ago. Public education and awareness programs have made people more aware of fire danger. Lifestyle changes, such as fewer people smoking, have had a significant impact. Further, building code changes, including required sprinkler systems, have reduced the risk of fire in all occupancies. But the most potent weapon in fighting fire death in homes-where the death rate is highest-has been the smoke detector. Smoke detectors do what their name implies. They provide early detection, and early warning of a fire. Unfortunately they do not provide early protection, and they take no action on the fire itself. Residential sprinklers represent a different approach and technology by adding fire suppression to the early warning of smoke detectors. The ability of sprinkler systems to control or extinguish fires in their early stages makes them a critical tool in fire protection strategy.

Residential sprinklers save property! Residential sprinkler systems were intended as a life safety system, or an aid to escape. However, just as commercial systems have proven to be life safety systems, residential systems have proved to also provide property protection. Residential sprinkler use is still not widespread but sprinklers in other occupancies have proven their life saving value. Over the years of use in commercial occupancies, these systems that were intended for property protection have proved to be a life safety system as well. Note: There has not been a single residential fire fatality in a residence with an operational fire sprinkler system which operated due to an accidental fire.

It is true that residential sprinkler systems do not necessarily reduce the number of calls for fire fighters, but they do reduce the severity of the fire, thereby reducing the complexity of the response and the associated danger to fire fighters. Because sprinklers diminish the requirements of fire suppression, they also enable the fire service to allocate more resources to Emergency Medical Services, search and rescue, public fire education, building inspection, plan review, and arson investigation. Additionally, the claim that "automatic sprinklers cause water damage" must be looked at honestly and in comparison with the alternatives. Yes, by design, construction, and functional operation characteristics, a fire sprinkler, upon activation, will cause water damage. However, water damage would be much greater if the automatic sprinkler did not activate. An automatic fire sprinkler system in a typical single-family dwelling will discharge between 10-30 gallons per minute. A typical fire suppression hose-stream will place between 125-300 gallons of water per minute on a fire, applied by fire service personnel. From time of discovery until the time the fire trucks arrive, a fire expands with such intensity, fire damage not water damage becomes the real issue.

The potential for water and or fire damage incurring with automatic sprinklers compared to the water and or fire damage incurring without them must be viewed in perspective. The damage costs will be far less with sprinklers. The clean up and restoration costs will be less with sprinklers. Most materials can be dried out and restored, but ashes last forever. With the bottom line, I have yet to hear of LIFE LOSS due to water flowing from a sprinkler head. Without sprinklers there is a potentially high risk of life loss due to smoke inhalation or burn injuries.

Residential fire sprinklers save lives and property. This alone makes them a plus for homeowners. In commercial and multi-family settings, fire sprinklers also result in fire insurance premium reductions. Opponents of fire sprinklers often question the actual cost of fire sprinkler installations. This occurs because the factors influencing the cost can vary. Cost of installation in both new and existing detached one- and two-family dwellings depends largely on five factors: (1) The size of the residence. (2) The construction limitations - restraints. (3) The available water supply. (4) The materials being used. (5) The layout of the fire sprinkler system. Installations in new detached one- and two-family dwellings are on average running $1.00 a square foot. This does not include costs for a water meter or connection to the water main, as these are part of normal home construction. In most cases the cost of the sprinkler system costs less than the floor coverings you choose. Although the greatest benefit of installation of residential sprinklers is the lives saved and injuries prevented; lower property losses is a secondary and substantial benefit.

We cannot completely control careless smoking, children playing with matches, forgetting to turn off the coffee maker and the other things that bring this unfortunate event to our lives, but with a residential fire sprinkler system installed in your home you can control the outcome of that unfortunate event. Sprinklers can control life loss due to fire for the residential of the home and for the fire fighter who is injured or dies during the extinguishment of a fire or the rescue of an occupant.