Home Fire Safety

Introducing Dan Doofus

Meet Dan Doofus, star of NFPA's series of video public service announcements (PSA). Dan continues to learn in comedic fashion some valuable lessons about fire safety.

Cooking Safety

Dan Doofus shows us how to stay safe in the kitchen.

Electrical Safety

Dan teaches us some electrical safety tips.

Heating Safety

Keeping your house warm can be dangerous.

Chimney Safety and Home Fire Sprinklers

Dan shows us how to interact with these two common housing features.

Smoke Alarms

Dan showcases why every house should have a smoke alarm.

Fireworks

While beautiful in the sky, when not used properly fireworks can be detrimental to one's health and home.

Escape Plan

Watch as Dan goes through the steps listed above and learns about the importance of a Home Fire Escape Plan.

Reproduced with permission of © National Fire Protection Association 2010

Candle Safety

An unattended candle is an invitation to disaster; the Fire Department offers the following tips for the safe use of candles:

• Secure candles in sturdy holders, if possible, place glass chimneys or shades over them.
• Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep candles well away from combustible materials.
• Snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.

Christmas Trees

The Fire Department recommends the following care and precaution measures to ensure an attractive tree that stays fresh indoors for two to three weeks:

• Store the tree outdoors or on a cool porch or patio until you are ready to decorate.
• Supply fresh water daily - ensure the water level does not drop below the bottom of the tree.
• Keep your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets and other sources of heat.
• Turn off the tree lights when you leave and before you retire at night.
• Avoid the use of combustible decorations.
• Check all electric lights and connections
• Do not use lights with worn or frayed cords
• Never use lighted candles on a Christmas tree.

Only choose extinguishers that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory and labelled for their intended use. The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type and size of fire being fought. It is important to select the appropriate extinguisher the for correct fire classification. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can make the fire worse and is dangerous to the operator.
 

Classes of Fire

The three most common classes of fire are A, B, and C. The fourth class is D.

• Class A

  extinguishers may be used on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic or cloth. The symbol may be found on water, foam or multipurpose extinguishers.

• Class B

  extinguishers are appropriate for use on flammable or combustible liquids. The symbol may be found on multipurpose dry chemical, dry chemical and carbon dioxide extinguishers.

• Class C

  extinguishers may be used on fires involving energized electrical equipment. The symbol may be found on carbon dioxide, multipurpose dry chemical, and dry chemical extinguishers.

• Class D

  extinguishers may be used on some types of combustibles metals, including combustible magnesium, sodium and potassium. The symbol may be found on dry chemical extinguishers. You will rarely encounter a Class D fire in the home or office.

Installation

Install extinguishers in plain view near an escape route and away from stoves and heating equipment.
 

Maintenance

Extinguishers need to be cared for. Read the operator's manual for inspection, installation and maintenance instructions. Rechargeable models MUST be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Fire Extinguishers.") Disposable extinguishers are very limited and can be used only once.
 

Operation: Use the P.A.S.S. Word

To use a portable fire extinguisher effectively, remember to use the four-step P.A.S.S. Word:

1. Pull the pin: Holding the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, remove the pin, seal or the level release mechanism. This unlocks the operating lever
2. Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire. Always hold the extinguisher vertically, never horizontally
3. Squeeze the level fully: This will release the extinguishing agent through the nozzle. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge
4. Sweep from side to side: Sweep the nozzle from side to side aiming at the base of the fire. As the fire closest to you goes out, you may move closer to the fire and continue the sweeping motion until the fire is extinguished

Please note: If your extinguisher is empty, stops extinguishing the fire or the fire grows larger - leave the building immediately, closing the doors behind you. Call the Fire Department and ensure the Fire Department inspects the fire site even if you think the fire is extinguished.