For Immediate Release

Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward, and York Counties

Contact Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Date:  September 28, 2011

Title:  Keep Your Family Safe from Fires

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week - October 9th to 15th, households are encouraged to make their families safer from home fires.  Only one of every three American households have created and practiced a home fire escape plan.  Make a plan for what to do if your home has a fire.

Follow these tips to protect your family from fires:

• Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year. To create an escape map for your home, go to http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/AboutUs/Programs/pdfs/pr_startsafe_w010.pdf or print one from the Four Corners Health Department website at www.fourcourners.ne.gov.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. There are two kinds of smoke alarms – photoelectric and ionization. If possible, get some of each kind or buy “combination” smoke alarms that have both types of sensors.
• Put smoke alarms inside or near every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they work. Put in new batteries once a year.

• Know how to put out a small pan fire by sliding a lid over the flames.
• Teach every family member to “Stop, Drop, Roll and Cool” if clothes catch fire.  Drop immediately to the ground, cross hands over your chest, and roll over and over or back and forth to put out the flames. Cool the burned area with cool water and seek medical attention for serious burns.
• Consider having a home fire sprinkler system installed in your new home, or when you remodel.
• Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher.

For resources or a presentation on fire safety, contact your local fire department or Four Corners Health Department at 362-2621 or toll-free at 877-337-3573. Visit the website at www.fourcorners.ne.gov.  For more fire safety information, go to www.homesafetycouncil.org.

Be smart about fire safety.