Fire Prevention and Fire Safety
Carbon Monoxide
The symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, unclear thinking, visual problems. Much of these symptoms are similar to that of influenza. However, high levels of this agent can cause unconsciousness, brain damage and even death. If you suspect the presence of CO in your residence, leave your home at once and call 911.
You can reduce the risk of CO poisoning by having your heating system "tuned up" by a licensed contractor, the gas company or your fuel supplier. Also have your chimney and vent pipes checked for blockages. Make sure your home is adequately ventilated (particularly if you have insulated your home, had major renovations or have a heating system in an enclosed porch). CO detectors are sold at almost all hardware and drug stores for under $20.00. One should be installed on every living level of your home.
Home Smoke Detectors
SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES !!!
The majority of fatal home fires happen in the middle of the night when people are asleep. The odor of smoke will not wake a sleeping person! In fact, the poisonous gases omitted from fires will make you fall into a deeper sleep. It is a Massachusetts state regulation that all residential homes must contain smoke detectors.
Every home should have a smoke detector outside of each sleeping area AND on every level of the home, including the basement. We recommend one in the attic, however it is not required. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens or family rooms. If residents are hearing impaired or you sleep with the bedroom door closed, place a detector both outside and inside the bedroom. Smoke detectors are not recommended in kitchens, garages or utility rooms where cooking smoke or steam may set off false alarms.
Mount all detectors on a wall or ceiling. Wall mounted units should be 4 to 12 inches away from the ceiling and a ceiling mounted detector should be at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. In stairwells, units may be installed anywhere in the path of the stairs. However if your hallway has doors, place the detector at the bottom of the stairwell.
Never disable a detector by "pulling out" the battery. Only a functioning detector can protect you! Check your batteries monthly and replace all batteries when you change the clocks in the fall and spring or when a "chirping" noise indicates a low battery. Clean your detectors with a vacuum without removing the cover. Never paint over any part of the detector and remember to replace the entire unit at least every 10 years.
Make sure everyone in your household is familiar with the sounds of the detector and that a family "great escape" fire evacuation plan has been set up. Practice your plan at least twice a year.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
If used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out small fires or controlling it until the fire department arrives. Keep in mind, residential size extinguishers are not meant to put out large fires or prevent the spreading of fires, they are useful under only certain conditions:
The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is not time to read the instructions when you have an emergency.
The extinguisher must be within easy reach, in complete working order and fully charged.
Some models are unsuitable for grease and electrical fires. If used on an improper material, you can actually make the fire worse.
Read the manufacturer's directions regarding inspection and service requirements. Some extinguishers may only be discharged once while others can be refilled several times. Be sure to check the pressure in your fire extinguisher at least once per month.
In the event you need to use your extinguisher, remember the PASS-word...
P pull the pin
A aim the extinguisher low by pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire - be sure you are standing back at least 6 to 8 feet
S squeeze the lever below the handle and discharge the agent
S sweep the nozzle from side to side moving carefully towards the fire and continue until the flames appear to be out
Properly marked house numbers help us find you in seconds, when seconds count !!!
Numbers should be visible from the street
Located next to the front door and at the end of the driveway
Of contrasting color to the house
Minimum of 4 inches tall
No brass numbers
Use numbers not letters
More Fire Prevention information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
If you have questions regarding any of the material mentioned above, or any other fire safety issue please e-mail the Fire Prevention Officer , or telephone by calling 508-485-3235, extension 403..