Penn State Health Emergency Management and Business Continuity Department provides tips for fire prevention and safety

The three top causes of residential fires in the United States are cooking, heating equipment and electrical malfunctions. The main causes of fires in health care facilities are similar, with cooking being the top cause, followed by electrical distribution and lighting equipment, arson and heating equipment. Penn State Health’s Emergency Management and Business Continuity Department is providing information and tips on fire prevention and safety.

Help prevent fires in your home or workplace by following these safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep an eye on the stovetop. Make sure to move flammable objects away from the stove.
• Keep all flammable materials at least three feet away from heating sources, especially space heaters, fireplaces and kerosene heaters.
• Minimize the chance of electrical fires:
  • Inspect power cords prior to using extension cords or power equipment. Do not use if cords are frayed or damaged.
  • Don’t place electrical cords across doorways or under carpets.
  • When using a power strip, make sure not to overload the circuit.
  • Do not chain together power strips.
  • Unplug cords or power strips when not in use.
• Never leave a candle burning unattended, and keep flammable materials away from the open flame:
• • After using a candle, make sure the flame is extinguished.
  • During a power outage, use battery powered lights and flashlights instead of candles.

In the event of a fire

Even with fire prevention efforts in place, fires can still occur and within 30 seconds, can spread. A typical two-story house can become engulfed in fewer than five minutes. Statistics show properly installed and functioning smoke alarms activate within two minutes of a fire igniting.

Preserving life is the first and most important priority during a fire. You may have fewer than two minutes to escape your structure. Once outside, stay out. Never go back inside a burning building.

If the fire is small and contained in a single object or to a surface, such as a pan or a wastebasket, someone with access to and training for a fire extinguisher can use that.

• Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side.

Be prepared and protected

Smoke detectors help save lives. They should be located at the landing of all stairways, outside of bedrooms in a hallway and within bedrooms. Make sure the smoke detectors are working properly by testing them monthly and change the batteries yearly. Hardwired smoke detectors also have backup batteries which should be changed yearly. Chirping smoke detectors signal that the battery needs to be replaced. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.

Carbon Monoxide detectors help save lives. They should be placed outside all bedrooms and on every floor of your residence. As with a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and the batteries changed yearly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the replacement time period.

Create a fire escape plan. Your plan should include two paths of exit from all rooms. The primary exit may be a door and the secondary a window. Ensure the escape route is clear and not blocked by furniture, clutter or equipment. Select a meeting point outside for all occupants. Account for children and others who may need assistance during an evacuation.

Practice your plan yearly. Include practicing as if you have to go through a smoke-filled area. Get low and stay low. Once everyone is outside the structure and at the designated meeting area, account for all occupants. In the event of a real fire, you would not go back into the building if a person were missing; instead, you would alert fire officials. After conducting your drill, look for areas of improvement or needed equipment for an escape.

Materials to assist in fire safety activities are available through the American Red Cross, Ready.gov, the National Fire Prevention Association and your local fire department.

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