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Ice
Safety
Before
venturing out on a frozen lake or pond keep in mind: There is
no such thing as 100 percent safe ice. Recommended minimum ice
thickness:
4"
of new clear ice is the minimum thickness for travel on foot
5" is minimum for snowmobiles and ATVs
8"- 12" for cars or small trucks
Remember
that the recommended thickness' are merely guidelines for new,
clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause
ice to be unsafe.
Working
Together for Home Fire Safety
More
than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately
25,000 are injured. An overwhelming number of fires occur in
the home. There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a
fire. It's not a question of luck. It's a matter of planning
ahead.
Every
Home Should Have at Least One Working Smoke Alarm
Buy
a smoke alarm at any hardware or discount store. It's
inexpensive protection for you and your family. Install a
smoke alarm on every level of your home. A working smoke alarm
can double your chances of survival. Test it monthly, keep it
free of dust and replace the battery at least once a year.
Smoke alarms themselves should be replaced after ten years of
service, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Every
Home Should Have at Least One Working Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Each
year in America, carbon monoxide poisoning claims
approximately 480 lives and sends another 15,200 people to
hospital emergency rooms for treatment.1 USFA would
like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to
protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Please
read and follow the safety tips contained in the factsheets on
this page.
Prevent
Electrical Fires
Never
overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and
wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark
or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or
replaced.
Use
Appliances Wisely
When
using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning
signs that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or
repaired. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use safety caps
to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small
children in the home.
Alternate
Heaters
- Portable
heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at
least three feet away.
- Keep
fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your
chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite
a chimney fire that could easily spread.
- Kerosene
heaters should be used only where approved by authorities.
Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and
only after the heater has cooled.
Affordable
Home Fire Safety Sprinklers
When
home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your
chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers
are affordable - they can increase property value and lower
insurance rates.
Plan
Your Escape
Practice
an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone
to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to
open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can
meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.
Caring
for Children
Children
under five are naturally curious about fire. Many play with
matches and lighters. Tragically, children set over 20,000
house fires every year. Take the mystery out of fire play by
teaching your children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
Caring
for Older People
Every
year over 1,200 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these
fire deaths could have been prevented. Seniors are especially
vulnerable because many live alone and can't respond quickly.
For
More Information Contact:
The
United States Fire Administration
National Fire Programs Division
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Or
visit the USFA Web site: www.usfa.fema.gov
Visit our Kid's Page: www.usfa.fema.gov/kids
Information for this fact sheet was provided by the Consumer
Product Safety Commission.
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