Rose Tree Fire Company’s mission is to prevent and minimize the impact of fire and other emergency incidents within Upper Providence Township. We strive to maintain a high state of emergency preparedness and improve the quality of life in our community by identifying potential hazards and advocating the importance of safety and fire safe behaviors.
FIRE FACTS
In 2013, there were an estimated 369,500 reported home structure fires and 2,755 associated civilian deaths in the United States. In order to protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire:
- Fire is FAST - In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, an entire house can be engulfed in flames.
- Fire is DARK - Fire produces gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths.
- Fire is HOT - Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs.
FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Many household fires can be prevented. Here are some steps you can take to prevent a fire.
COOKING SAFETY
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames.
- Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
CANDLE SAFETY
- Keep candles out of reach from children and pets.
- Ensure candles are in sturdy fire-proof containers that won’t be tipped over.
- Have an adults blow out all candles when leaving the room or going to bed.
MATCHES/LIGHTERS AND SMOKING
- Keep matches/lighters away from children.
- Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
ELECTRICAL WIRING
- Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
- Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
- Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas.
- Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
- If unsure if something is safe, ask the Fire Marshal to inspect your home for fire safety.
SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
- Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.
- Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence.
- Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area of the bedrooms.
- Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
IF A FIRE OCCURES
- Get out of the as quickly as possible. Remember, every second counts!!
- Once outside, call 9-1-1 and make sure everyone is ok.
- If your clothes catch on fire, you should: Stop, Drop, and Roll until the fire is extinguished.
ESCAPING THE FIRE
- Have an escape plan. Review escape routes with your family.
- If you hear the smoke alarm sounding, get outside as quickly as possible.
- Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer, when escaping from a fire.
- Check closed doors with the back of your hand to feel for heat before you open them.
- If the door is hot, do not open it. Find a second way out, such as a window. If you cannot escape through a window, hang a white sheet outside the window to alert firefighters to your presence. Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding or tape and cover vents to keep smoke out.
- If the door is cold slowly open it and ensure that fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door and use another escape route.
- If clear, leave immediately and close the door behind you. Be prepared to crawl.
- Once you are out of the building, STAY OUT! Do not go back inside for any reason.
- Tell the fire department if you know of anyone trapped in the building.
AFTER A FIRE
- Once you are out of the building, STAY OUT! Do not go back inside for any reason. The fire department will tell you when it’s safe to go back.
- If there is a burn victim, call 9-1-1, cool and cover the burns until emergency units arrive.
FIRE SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY. STAY ALERT AND STAY ALIVE!
