Preventing Fire Hazard in the Home

If a fire starts in your home, you will most likely have less than two minutes to escape. Early warning from a smoke detector can save your life. But having a working fire detector is not the only thing you can do. Thinking through some everyday things ahead of time can make a big difference.

Make your home fire-safe. Make sure that:

• Exit areas are marked, opened with nothing obstructing them, and known by all members of your family
• Fire escapes and extinguishers are they in good working order
• Important telephone numbers like your landlord and family members are easily accessible

Prevent fire hazards in the home by making sure that:

• Chemicals are not stored near heat.
• If there is an oxygen tank in the home, familiarize yourself with oxygen tank safety tips. Do not smoke within six feet of the oxygen concentrator or plug the oxygen generator into an outlet with other appliances.
• Newspaper/rags are not stored near heat or left cluttered around the home.
• Never smoke in bed or lying down without supervision.
• Never leave the stove-top on (To avoid leaving food or fluid unattended, buy an electric kettle with an automatic shut-off.)
• There is no loose or frayed wiring running across the floor.
• Don’t plug too many plugs into one outlet, which may overload the circuits.
• Don’t plug an electric oxygen concentrator into an outlet with other appliances.

R.A.C.E

While we can try our hardest to prevent fire, accidents are unexpected, and they do happen. Should you find yourself in a home fire, remember this important tip:

Rescue—Use staircases, NOT elevator. Evacuate two floors below the fire. Remain close to the floor. Always feel the door with your hand before opening it. If the door is hot, DO NOT OPEN!

Alarm—Go outside to press the fire alarm if able—dial 911.

Confine—Close the door and windows of fire if possible and close all other exit doors when leaving.

Extinguish—If the fire is small and a fire extinguisher is available, use P.A.S.S. (pull the pin, aim nozzle, squeeze the lever, and sweep at base of the fire).

What to do in case of a fire or 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.

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.

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.

At MJHS, we value both personal and professional caregivers and recognize the critical work you do. That is why we have created these online caregiving resources to help you through this crucial time in your life.

If you need additional help and support caring for your loved one, please feel free to contact MJHS. We can recommend other care options available to you through one of our programs.