Fire & Police Safety Tips

 

 

Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside of each sleeping area. Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector chirps to signal that the battery is dead and test once a week. Don't ever take the battery out for other uses!

 

Space Heaters Need space

Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding, or anything else that can burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed, and keep children and pets well away from them.

 

A Match is a Tool for Adults

In the hands of a child, matches or lighters are extremely dangerous. Store them up high where kids can't reach them. And teach your children from the start that matches and lighters are not toys for kids. If children find matches, they should tell an adult immediately.

 

Cool a Burn

If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes to ease the pain. Do not use butter on a burn, as this could prolong the heat and further damage the skin. If burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately.

 

Crawl Low Under Smoke

If you encounter smoke using your primary exit, use your alternate route instead. If you must exit through smoke, clean air will be several inches off the floor. Get down on your hands and knees, and crawl to the nearest safe exit.

 

Plan and Practice Your escape

If fire breaks out in your home, you must get out fast. With your family, plan two ways out of every room. Fire escape routes must not include elevators, which might take you right to the fire! Choose a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. Once you are out, stay out! Have the whole family practice the escape plan at least twice a year.

 

Be Careful Cooking

Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and don't leave cooking unattended. Keep your pot's handles turned inward so children won't knock or pull them over the edge of the stove.

 

Use Electricity Safely

If an appliance smokes or begins to smell unusual, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Check all your electrical cords, and replace any that are cracked or frayed. Remember that fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fire: don't tamper with the fuse box or use fuses of an improper size.

 

STOP, DROP, AND ROLL

Everyone should know this rule: if your clothes catch fire, don't run! Stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll over and over to smother the flames. Cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs.

 

Practice Candle Safety

The popularity of candles as home decorations in recent years, has resulted in an increase of candle related fires. Some safe tips include: Never leave a lit candle unattended in any room of the house; Never leave candles burning when you go to bed; and never use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, drapes, bedding and cabinets. Visit our candle safety page for more information.

Follow these guidelines to teach children the proper way to use 9-1-1 to report emergencies:

 

Do ...

  1. Always call from a safe location.
  2. Teach children their full name and address. And always post your full address near your home phone.
  3. Teach children to remain as calm as possible when speaking with the 9-1-1 operator so they can get the provide the correct information to send help.
  4. Wait until the 9-1-1 operator tells you it is okay to hang up the telephone. It is common for 9-1-1 operators to keep young callers on the line until help arrives. 9-1-1 operators are also trained to provide life saving directions to callers during medical emergencies.
  5. If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, don't hang up. Tell the 9-1-1 operator there is no emergency and you dialed by accident. If you hang up before speaking with the operator, they could send emergency crews to your location needlessly.

Do not ...

  1. Do not call 9-1-1 as a joke or prank. You can get into serious trouble. More importantly, you can delay someone else getting the help they need in an emergency.
  2. Do not hang up the telephone until the 9-1-1 operator tells you it is okay to do so.
  3. Do not call 9-1-1 for animal emergencies. Call the ASPCA or your local police precinct's non-emergency number for assistance.
  4. Do not call 9-1-1 for noisy neighbors, loud music, or barking dogs. Again, call your local police precinct.

Please save 9-1-1 for real emergencies!

 

 

Mission Statement

The National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation is dedicated to helping children of law enforcement and firefighting personnel. The Foundation provides support to both children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring tragic circumstances. NLEAFCF works hand in hand with law enforcement and firefighting organizations to provide all children with valuable social and life skills programs.