Chapter 5-Fire Safety

1. Chapter 5-Fire Safety Developing Effect Ways to Prevent and Deal With Fires in Your Home.

2. Fire Facts • There are nearly 3 million fires in the United States annually. • Most fire injuries and deaths are due to lack of preparation. • By understanding the elements of fire and fire-safety one can become better prepared. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

3. Principles of Combustion • Combustion is a continuous, self sustaining process in which fuel and oxygen molecules combine to yield heat, gas, smoke and flame. • Ignition temperature is the minimum temperature to which fuel must be heated before it reacts with oxygen and starts to burn. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

4. Principles of Combustion • Combustion only occurs when fuel is in a gas. • For a solid or liquid to ignite, it mist first be converted to a gas. • This conversion by action of heat is called pyroysis. • Flammable liquids can produce hazards at much lower temperatures called flash points. • The process that uses heat to for fuel for burning is called feedback. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

5. How a Fire Starts • Cigarettes are the leading cause of residential fire deaths. • Other causes are heating, children playing, cooking, electrical distribution, appliances, service equipment, and arson. • Fires caused by heating cost nearly $700 million a year. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

6. Where Fires Start Chapter 5- Fire Safety

7. Fire Prevention in the Home • Be aware of all labels on televisions, extension cords, wood stoves and fireplaces. • Smokers should be especially careful when smoking near furniture or in bed. • Never place flammable materials near stoves or heaters. • Be aware of all things in your home, from chimney maintenance to over loaded outlets. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

8. Fire Prevention in the Home • Keep all smoking materials out of the reach of children. • Keep the handles of pots and pans inward when using them on the stove to prevent scalding. • Make sure the water heater in your home does not exceed 120°F. • Do not store combustible material in your home. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

9. Planning for Fire Emergencies • EDITH: Exit Drills in the Home, can prevent your family from being unnecessary harmed or killed in the event of a fire. • Program consists of nine simple steps that must be practiced: Chapter 5- Fire Safety

10. Planning for Fire Emergencies • Install smoke detectors • Draw Floor plan • Alert everyone in house if fire is discovered • Stay low • Check door with back of hand • Keep doors closed that heat quickly • Have prearranged meeting place • Never go back in the house • Notify the fire department Chapter 5- Fire Safety

11. Hotel and Motel Safety • Ask the desk clerk about the buildings sprinkler, fire alarm or smoke detectors systems. • Check for smoke detectors upon check in. • Familiarize yourself with stairwells and exits. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

12. Fire Detection Devices • Heat Detectors • Sound an alarm when a pre-set temperature is reached in a home. • Not recommended for use in a home. • Sprinkler systems • Smoke detectors • Photoelectric Smoke Detector • Smoke particle disturb a beam of light to activate alarm. • Ionization Chamber Smoke Detector • Smoke particle interrupt a flow of electric current in the detector. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

13. Fire Detection Devices • Smoke Detectors should be placed on every level of your home, and near bedrooms. • The should be placed on the ceiling or wall 6-12 inches from the ceiling. • They should not be placed near air vents. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

14. Class A Consists of burning wood, paper, or textile material. Class B Flammable liquid fires. Class C Involves the use of electrical equipment, including wiring, appliances, and machinery. Class D Consists of combustible metals. Classification of Fires Chapter 5- Fire Safety

15. Procedures for Fire Extinguisher Use • Break Plastic Safety Seal • Pull Pin • Test the extinguisher • Aim the discharge at the base of the fire, using a sweeping motion • Keep upright • A Dry-Chemical Extinguisher is the best choice for home use. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

16. Arson • Labeled the fastest growing crime in America. • Accounts for 30% of fires. • Cost $1.4 billion dollars, which is picked up by insurance premiums. • Many cities are developing programs to prevent arson. • Arson task force, early warning analysis, and public education. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

17. High Rise Safety • High rises are growing in popularity due to growing population and demand for space. • Become familiar with the types of prevention in place if you move into a high-rise. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

18. Education • Education is key in preventing fires. • Fire-Fighters need to be used as fire-educators. • The Government can also help by implementing higher safety standards. Chapter 5- Fire Safety

19. Summary • Prevention is ideal, but preparation is key. • Each Area of the home poses its own distinct threat. • It is important to know what kind of fire you are dealing with before attempting to put it out. • Education is the key to prevention and preparation. Chapter 5- Fire Safety