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Up
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safety advice for everybody
up
Avoid sitting too
close to heaters and open fires - clothing or the upholstery could burn.
* Clothes should not be aired in front of
fires.
* Fit a sparkguard to all open fires to
prevent not only burning coal, but lethal sparks from falling onto rugs and
carpets.
* Keep portable heaters well clear of curtains
and furniture and placed where they cannot be knocked over. (Gas or oil
heaters should never be moved or carried when in use).
* Store spare and empty gas cylinders outdoors.
* Check electric blankets regularly for
wear or damage. Make sure they are used according to the manufacturers
instructions. If it is not an all night blanket - unplug it before you get into
bed.
* Install smoke alarms: they could save your
life. Two smoke alarms properly located would suit the average home.
* If you smoke in your home, extinguish
cigarettes properly. A burning cigarette end can smoulder for hours before
igniting and spreading.
* Check all electrical leads and plugs for
deterioration, burning or fraying. Make sure there are no overloaded sockets.
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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. Follow the
manufacturer's directions, and test once a week. Replace batteries twice a
year, or when the detector chirps to signal that the battery is dead.
Don't ever take the battery out for other uses!
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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
lifts, 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.
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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.
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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. If grease catches fire, carefully
slide a lid or fire blanket over the pan to smother the flames, then turn
off the heat.
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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, preferably in a locked
cabinet. And teach your children from the start that matches and lighters
are tools for adults, not toys for kids. If children find matches, they
should tell an adult immediately.
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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. If you use extension cords, replace any that
are cracked or frayed; and don't overload them or run them under rugs.
Remember that fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fire: don't
tamper with the fuse box or use fuses of an improper size.
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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.
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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.
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Crawl Low Under Smoke
If you encounter smoke using your main exit, use your alternate route
instead. If you must exit through smoke the clearest air will be near the
floor. Get down on your hands and knees, and crawl to the nearest safe
exit.
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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
lifts, 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.
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