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Wildfire Prevention:
- Keep shrubs and trees well-trimmed and make
sure theyre planted 18 inches apart. Good choices with high moisture
content include citrus, oak and oleander.
- Add at least three inches of non-wood mulch
over planted areas to prevent weeds.
- Keep property free of debris that can catch
fire, including dead leaves, branches, dried weeds and other vegetation, and
firewood.
- If youre planning a large-scale landscaping
project, check with Pasadena Fire Department about current regulations.
- Clean leaves, needles and twigs from roof
gutters.
- Soak trees and shrubs once a month to maintain
leaf moisture.
- Keep patio furniture, gas barbecues and other
flammable objects a minimum of 20 feet away from structures.
- Never toss a lighted cigarette onto the
ground, and never walk off and leave a cigarette burning.
- Make sure your emergency kit is stocked and
ready, and review your personal and family emergency plans.
- In the event of an evacuation order, be sure
to follow the directions of police and fire personnel in your neighborhood.
If you have a pet, make sure it has a tag with your phone number and the
pets name in addition to any required license tags. Evacuation shelters
rarely accept animals other than those that assist people with disabilities,
so make arrangements in advance with friends or animal shelters in other
areas.
Fire Prevention:
Simple Steps That Could Save Your Life
Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries
The IAFC and fire experts nationwide encourage people to change smoke
detector batteries at least annually. An easy way to remember to change your
batteries is when you turn your clock back in the fall. Replace old
batteries with fresh, high quality alkaline batteries, such as energizer
brand batteries, to keep your smoke detector going year-long.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
After inserting a fresh battery in your smoke detector, check to make sure
the smoke detector itself is working by pushing the safety test button.
Count Your Smoke Detectors
Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home, including
the basement and family room and, most important, outside all bedrooms.
Vacuum Your Smoke Detectors
Each month, clean your smoke detectors of dust and cobwebs to ensure their
sensitivity.
Change Your Flashlight Batteries
To make sure your emergency flashlights work when you need them, use
high-quality alkaline batteries. Note: Keep a working flashlight near your
bed, in the kitchen, basement and family room, and use it to signal for help
in the event of a fire.
Install Fire Extinguishers
Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it.
Should you need to purchase one, the IAFC recommends a multi-or all-purpose
fire extinguisher that is listed by an accredited testing laboratory such as
Underwriters Laboratory.
Plan and Practice Your Escape
Create at least two different escape routes and practice them with the
entire family. Children are at double the risk of dying in a home fire
because they often become scared and confused during fires. Make sure your
children understand that a smoke detector signals a home fire and that they
recognize its alarm.
Change Your Clock, Change Your
Battery
Energizer brand Batteries, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
and your local fire department urge you to adopt a simple, potentially
lifesaving habit: change the batteries in your smoke detector when you
change your clocks back to standard time in the fall.
Consider The Following:
Each day in the U.S., an average of three children die in home
fires 1,100 children each year. About 3,600 children are injured in house
fires each year. Ninety percent of child fire deaths occur in homes without
working smoke detectors.
Although smoke detectors are in 92 percent of
American homes, nearly one-third don't work because of old or missing
batteries.
A working smoke detector reduces the risk of
dying in a home fire by nearly half.
What to do if Your Smoke Detector Begins Ringing or if
There is a Fire
Remain calm and get out. Do not try to fight
the fire.
Call 9-1-1 from a safe
place.
If your clothes catch on
fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over to
smother the flames.
Drop to the floor to avoid
smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety.
Feel the door with the back
of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, find another way out.
If you are unable to get
out of your home for any reason, get near a window and stay close to the
floor. If possible, signal for help.
Winter Fire Safety:
Pasadena Fire Department offers these tips for keeping
your home and loved ones safe:
Water your tree daily to keep it fresh. Keep
it away from heat sources.
If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is
fire-retardant.
Use only flame-retardant or non-combustible
materials.
Make sure your fireplace or wood stove is in
working condition. Have your chimney connections and flues inspected by a
professional and cleaned, if necessary, before lighting a fire. Burn only
chopped wood never pine boughs, paper or old gift wrap.
Dont set lit candles near young children or
pets; keep matches and lighters out of reach.
Keep indoor and outdoor lights in good shape
and check them carefully for burned-out bulbs or frayed cords. Buy a new set
if necessary. Dont overload electrical circuits.
Always keep a family first aid kit and fire
extinguisher on hand.
When choosing a new space heater, look for
the ULC/CSA approval on the box. Make sure the heater shuts off
automatically if it tips over.
Space heaters need space! Keep yours at least
three feet away from other curtains, furniture and other objects.
Never use a space heater as a drying rack.
Never use a barbecue or hibachi indoors.
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