22 WWW.QNS.COM • LEFRAK CITY COURIER • OCTOBER 2016 FIRE PREVENTION: It’s the first and best defense! Use the following checklist as a guide to identify possible fire safety problems in your apartment. If you answer “no” to any question below, the potential hazard should be corrected immediately to reduce your risk and increase your preparedness for fire. D o you have at least one operable smoke alarm? Do you have at least one operable carbon monoxide alarm? Are all electrical cords in good condition? (not frayed or cracked) Are all electrical cords in the open, not run under rugs or through doorways? Is your apartment free from storage of flammable products? Are space heaters placed at least three feet from combustibles? Are space heaters plugged directly into wall sockets and not into extension cords? Is your fire escape window clear and unobstructed? Can all windows be opened easily from the inside? D o you have operable flashlights handy? Do you have a fire escape plan? HEATING As temperatures drop, it’s important to remember heat safety. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires and homefire deaths. To remain safe during the fall and winter chill, remember: Keep a three-foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn. Do not use your oven to heat your home. When buying a new space heater, make sure it has the label showing that it has been tested by a recognized testing laboratory. Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed. Space heater power cords should be plugged directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord. Always supervise children when space heaters are being used. ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT COOKING Cooking is the main cause of home fires and injuries in the U.S., and the leading cause of cooking fires is unattended cooking. Always follow these precautions when cooking: Stay alert and check on cooking regularly. Make sure there is always an adult in the kitchen when the stove is on. K eep kids away from cooking area. Always turn the stove off when leaving the kitchen, even for a moment. Keep flammable items away from heat, such as potholders and oven mitts, bags and boxes, towels and curtains. Install and use cooking appliances according to the manufacturer’s directions. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Test smoke alarms regularly. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH CANDLES To prevent a candle-fire in your home, always follow these safeguards: Never leave burning candles unattended; be sure to blow them out whenever you leave a room, even for a short time. Do not keep candles within reach of children. Be sure to extinguish all candles completely before going to sleep. Do not burn candles near any flammable items such as fabric or paper. IF A FIRE BREAKS OUT IN YOUR APARTMENT: Get everyone out immediately and stay low as you go. Use your safest and most accessible exit. CLOSE ALL DOORS as you leave. I f using an interior stairway, alert people on your floor by knocking on their doors on your way out. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR. C all 911 once you reach a safe location. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE FACTS ABOUT FIRE: Many children will try to hide from a fire, often in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner. But if taught basic fire facts, they’d be better able to protect themselves. Teach your kids that fires spread quickly, that most firerelated deaths are not from burns but from smoke inhalation, and that dangerous fumes can overcome a person in just a few minutes. KIDS SHOULD LEARN TO: Cover their mouths and noses with a moist towel or an article of clothing to keep out dangerous fumes while evacuating. Crawl under the smoke to safety, staying as low to the ground as possible, because smoke always rises. Touch any door (not the doorknob) to see if it is hot. If it is, do not open it— find another exit. Locate the nearest stairway marked “Fire Exit” Always avoid elevators during a fire. Never stop to take personal belongings or pets Never stop to make a phone call (even to 911) while evacuating. Never go back into a burning building once safely outside. Stop, drop, and roll to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire. Kids should also always be dressed for bed in flameretardant sleepwear. Clocks change November 6th, Fall Back 1 Hour! DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS!
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