Visit Your Local Fire Station

• STOP! right away
• DROP! to the ground
  
• ROLL! over and over to put out the flames

• SOUND THE ALARM
• LEAVE THE BUILDING QUICKLY
• STAY OUTSIDE - DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE FOR ANY REASON
• NOTIFY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
• DIAL 9-1-1 AND SAY, "I WANT TO REPORT A FIRE!"

In the event of a fire, it's a good idea to have a pre-arranged evacuation plan for entire family.  Sit down with all members of the family and discuss escape routes to the outside from each room in the house, especially from the bedrooms.  Your escape plan must have a pre-arranged assembly point, and all members of the family should go to that location as soon as they are out of the house.  That way, no one is overlooked.  So as soon as your family makes a plan, practice it and practice often.  As soon as smoke or fire is detected, your plan will be implemented quickly, safely and from the habit brought about by training.

Even thought it may seem silly to make a plan and practice it, it's important.  In a crisis, things that seem to be self-evident aren't.  Don't let someone tell you it's silly.  In the event of fire, you can save lives by making an evacuation plan and PRACTICING IT!

Most fatal home fires occur at night while everyone is sleeping.  A smoke detector can alert you when there is a fire in time to save your life and the lives of your family.  So, install smoke detectors in your home and check them on a regular basis to make sure they're working.

Where to Install:  Smoke rises, so the best place to install a smoke detector is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall just below the ceiling.  If the ceiling is below an uninsulated attic or in a mobile home, the smoke detector should be placed on the wall 4"-12" (10-30 cm) below the ceiling.  In a multi-level air-conditioned home, a detector is needed on each level.  On the first floor, it should be placed on the ceiling at the base of the stairwell.

Smoke detectors should be installed close enough to the bedrooms so the alarm can be heard when the door is closed.  But, remember not to install a detector within 3 ft. (92 cm) of an air supply register that migh blow the smoke away.  Don't install a smoke detector between an air return and sleeping areas.  The smoke will be recirculated and diluted, resulting in a delayed alarm.

Dirt, extreme changes in temperature and cooking exhaust can cause a false alarm or a malfunction of a smoke detector.  To prevent false alarms, locate the detector away from air vents, air conditioners and fans.  Keep the grillwork free of dirt by occasionly vacuuming and dusting.  NEVER paint your smoke detectors!  Don't forget to check them regularly to make sure they're working properly.

• SLOW DOWN & RELAX:  Strenuous exercise and exertion in extremely hot weather should be avoided.
• STAY IN A COOL PLACE:
  • Find a shady place.
  • Find an air conditioned building.
  • Stay in a well ventilated area.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible.
  • Keep shades and curtains closed during the day.
  • Open windows for ventilation in the evening.
• DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS:  Drink plenty of water and pure fruit juices.  Soda and drinks with sugar, salt and other additives may take longer to provide relief.  NO ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINE
• Serious warnings signs of heat stress include: 
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headache
  • Excessive weakness
  • Severe mental changes
  • Rapid shallow breathing
• What you can for heat stress: 
  • Get the person into a cool, shaded area or air conditioned building.
  • Apply ice packs or a cool wet towl to their neck.
  • Keep their skin wet by applying water by sponge or wet towels.
  • If the person is conscious & alert give them plenty of water.
  • If someone is experiencing serious signs of heat stress, call 9-1-1!

• U.S. Fire Administration:  An entity of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the mission of the USFA is to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination, and support.  Their web site has a nifty Kids Page that has lots of information and some very cool games.  You can even become a junior fire marshal there!
• Fire & EMS Networks On-line:  Want to look at a few thousand firefighting home pages?  This site maintains lists of over 8,000 Fire & EMS department home pages around the world.  See if you can find your local fire & EMS listed.
• Musee Directory to Museums:  If you're interested in the historical aspects of firefighting and firefighting equipment, here's a great place to start to find museums with firefighting information.  Just type the word "fire" in the search box.