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Install smoke detectors on each level of your home.
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Be sure to check closed doors for heat before opening if you hear the smoke detector alarm.
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Test detectors monthly and replace batteries once per year. A good time to replace them is when you "fall back" at Daylight Saving Time! Change your clocks, change your batteries.
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Detectors more than 10 years old should be replaced.
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For complete and extra protection, consider installing automatic fire sprinklers.
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Plan your escape.
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If a fire breaks out in your home you need to get out fast. Sit down with your family and design an escape plan with a pre-arranged outside meeting place. Practice your plan!
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Be sure that everyone knows at least two unobstructed ways out-doors and windows-from every room.
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Apartment residents should never use an elevator in a fire emergency-always use the stairs.
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Cook carefully.
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Never leave cooking unattended.
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Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves.
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Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them and children can't grab them.
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Enforce a "kid-free" zone three feet around your kitchen stove.
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Cover a grease fire with the pan lid to smother the flames, leaving the lid on until completely cool. Never use water and be sure to turn off the heat source.
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Keep an eye on smokers.
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Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.
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Never smoke in bed or when drowsy.
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Provide large, deep ashtrays that won't tip.
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Soak cigarette butts in water before discarding.
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Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions, furniture and bedding for smoldering cigarettes.
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Crawl under smoke.
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If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor where the air is cleaner.
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If you encounter smoke or flames while you are escaping, use an alternate route.
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Stop, Drop and Roll
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If your clothes catch fire, DON'T RUN because oxygen feeds the fire!
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Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to smother the flames.
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Give Space Heaters space
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Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
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Keep children and pets away from heaters.
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Never leave a heater on when you leave home or go to bed.
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Matches and Lighters are tools, not toys!
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Use child-resistant lighters.
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Store all matches and lighters up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
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Teach young children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys and are to be used by adults only.
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Teach young children to tell a grownup if they find matches or lighters; older children should bring them to an adult immediately.
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Cool a burn.
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Run cool water over a burn for 10-15 minutes.
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Never apply ice.
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Never use butter or any other grease on a burn. It seals in the heat and can damage the tissue further.
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If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
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Use electricity safely.
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If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately. Have it serviced before using again.
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Never leave holiday lights plugged in when you are not at home.
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Keep dryer lint filters and vents clean.
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Replace cords that are cracked or frayed.
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Don't overload extension cords or run them under rugs.
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