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SAFETY TIPS

CHECK BATTERIES: The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and fire experts nationwide encourage people to change smoke detector batteries at least twice annually. An easy way to remember to change your batteries is when you change your clock in the spring and fall. Replace old batteries with fresh, high quality alkaline batteries, such as Energizer brand batteries, to keep your smoke detector going yearlong. We encourage you to adopt a simple, potentially lifesaving habit: "change your clock, change your batteries."

FIRE EXTINGUISHER: 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.

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.

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.

Do you have a Home First Aid Kit?
Need a checklist? Here is a list of the most frequently used items you should have handy:  Plastic bandages, Transpore tape, Alcohol preps , Adhesive bandages, Micropore tape, Gauze, Extra large plastic bandages, Iodine prep pads, Fingertip bandages, Sterile pads, Antiseptic towelettes, Knuckle bandages, Antiseptic ointment, Ammonia inhalant, Sponge packs, Instant ice packs, Sterile eye wash, Elastic bandages, Eye pads, Safety pins, First aid cream, Bandage scissors, Tweezers, Butterfly bandages, Water tight utility box for contents, Burn gel to treat burn
Burn bandages, Adhesive spots, Extra large strips, Surgical tape, Sponges, Pain reliever

When and how to use 9-1-1

     9-1-1 is simply a telephone number used for reporting all types of emergencies - police, fire and emergency medical.
     DO NOT program 9-1-1 into speed dials -it can often result in accidental calls to 9-1-1.
     9-1-1 is equipped and ready to accept calls from deaf persons utilizing a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
     9-1-1 is for emergencies only.
     9-1-1 is coin free from a pay telephone.
     If you need to dial 9-1-1:
     Stay calm!
     When the dispatcher answers, simply state what you need; I need the police, I want to report a fire, or I need an ambulance.
     The dispatcher will then ask for the address or location of the emergency.
     Next, the dispatcher will ask you exactly what is wrong - the "details" of your emergency.
     DO NOT hang up until the dispatcher says it is okay to do so. They may be able to assist you until professional help arrives