American Red Cross, Lebanon Chapter

Fires

Fires are an ever-present threat to all communities within the Lebanon County and fires are the most frequent occurring disaster that affects the Lebanon County. Knowing how to prepare for or prevent fires can literally save a life. Please consider the following when making you fire prevention plans:

Make Your Home Fire Safe

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes

Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Escape Safely

Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor' s home
If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

The American Red Cross and several agencies, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, have created informational brochures to inform the public what to do in case of fires and what to do if you or your family has suffered a fire. Select the topics below for the information available.

Are You Ready for a Fire
Can You Afford To Loose Everything?
Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book
Home Fires Fact Sheet
Picking up the Pieces After A Fire
Wild Fires: Are You Prepared

For additional information concerning Fires, or any other type of Disaster Response or Preparedness activities, Contact the office for more information.

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