Have A Plan Of Escape The first step during a fire is to get everyone out of the building. Planning escape routes beforehand can prevent needless loss of life during a fire. Smoke detectors are an excellent early warning device. They are your first line of defense if a fire breaks out at night. Test your detectors on the first day of each month and replace the batteries periodically. Keep stairs, doorways and hallways free from obstructions. In dense smoke, it may be difficult to see items blocking an escape route. Fire Extinguisher Every room should have a multipurpose fire extinguisher, especially the school canteen and labs. Read the operating instructions on the side of the extinguisher so that you know how to use it if needed. Avoiding Fire Risks Inspect electrical appliances for frayed wiring. Replace all defective appliance cords. Keep your garage clear of rubbish and wood shavings. Dispose of oily rags that can ignite by spontaneous combustion. Store flammable fuels, chemicals and paints outside. In Event Of Fire If you discover a small fire that is still contained to its source, you can do the following: Cooking pan fire. Cover a small oil or grease fire in a cooking pan with a lid to smother the flames. Next, turn off heat to the pan. Oven fire. Turn off the oven and allow the fire to burn itself out. Do not open the oven door - fresh air will feed the fire and cause it to continue to burn. Electrical fires. Do not use water on an electrical fire. Water and electricity can be fatal. If you discover an electrical fire early, use a multipurpose fire extinguisher. __
