Fire Escape Plans

MAKE AND PRACTICE AN EXCAPE PLAN.
Plan for two ways to escape from each room.
Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened and that they have a quick-release latch and that everyone knows how to open them. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.

When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
Plan for everyone in your home-including babies and others who need help to escape.

Pick a place to meet after you escape to check that everyone got out.

Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.

Involve children in making and practicing your escape plan.
Teach children to never hide during a fire-they must get out and stay out.
Clear toys, boxes, and other debris from exits.

Never open a door that feels hot. Escape another way.
When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.

lawnmower safety

Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.

Hotel Safety

Now that the summer vacation season is here, we must remember that crime prevention doesn't stop when we leave home. To help ensure that a vacation will be an enjoyable experience for everyone, here are some crime prevention tips that will help protect your family and property when staying at a hotel or motel.

Arriving at a Hotel

Park your vehicle in a well-lit area close to the lobby where you can see your vehicle and occupants.
Before getting out of your vehicle, check your surroundings for suspicious looking people.
When leaving your vehicle, put valuables out of sight and be sure to lock it.
Memorize your vehicle license information so you don't have to go back outside.
Checking In

Make reservations ahead of time to prevent being stranded with no vacancies or unsafe accommodations.
Women traveling alone may prefer to sign in using only a first initial and last name.
Register using your business address.
When Arriving at Your Room

Store valuables in a hotel safe and get a receipt instead of leaving them in your vehicle.
Don't enter your room if someone is loitering in the area and watching you. Report this to the front desk immediately.
Be sure the locks on your door are working properly.
Familiarize yourself with the closest fire evacuation route.
Make sure you know how to use the phone in your room and that you can dial out to 911.
Memorize the name and address of the hotel and your room number.
Use the "peep hole" to identify visitors. Do not open the door to strangers.
Going Out

Hang the "do not disturb" sign on the doorknob and leave a light and radio or TV on when leaving.
Do not enter an elevator if someone inside seems suspicious.
Inquire at the front desk about safe places to eat, shop, walk, or jog. Ask for a map of the area.
Following these tips will help make your vacation a safe and enjoyable experience.