Welcome to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance
Home Fire and Burn Prevention Guide

CARING SHARING EDUCATING
This safety information was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every situation.

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HOME FIRES

The major causes of home fires include heating equipment, electrical appliances, matches, cooking, and smoking. A major goal of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is to reduce the number of fires in the home. The following information lists some activities that could reduce the possibility of your home becoming a fire statistic .....

KITCHEN

  1. All electrical appliances and tools should have a testing agency label such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
  2. Have appliances repaired if they aren't working properly.
  3. Do not overload outlets.
  4. Do not store things above the stove.

LIVING ROOM

  1. Use large ashtrays.
  2. Before you go to bed, check cushions for burning cigarettes.
  3. Use a metal fireplace screen. Never dispose of fireplace ashes in combustible containers.
  4. Put lighters and matches where children won't find them.
  5. Allow air space around the TV and stereo to prevent overheating. If the TV doesn't work right, it can be a fire danger. Have it checked or repaired.
  6. Keep portable heaters away from combustibles.
  7. Have chimneys cleaned and inspected once a year.

GARAGE AND STORAGE

  1. Store gasoline and other flammables in tight metal containers. Don't use flammable liquids near heat, a pilot light, or while smoking.
  2. Have heating equipment checked annually.
  3. Clean up your work bench. Keep flammables away from sparks.
  4. Sort and remove rubbish. Do not store things near the furnace or heater.

OUTDOORS

  1. Never use gasoline on a grill fire. Once the fire has started, never use lighter fluid.
  2. Move your lawnmower away from gasoline fumes before starting. Let the motor cool before refueling it.
  3. If your roof needs replacing, give serious consideration to using non-combustible roofing materials.

BEDROOM

  1. Do not smoke in bed or a chair.
  2. Do not overload electrical outlets.





A MATCH IS A TOOL

A message to the parent/guardian/caregiver...a match is a tool. Children MUST be taught the proper function and SAFE use of matches and fire.

A TOOL has a specific purpose and should be used only for that purpose. The match should be presented as a tool having a specific purpose, such as lighting candles, starting a campfire, or lighting a fire in a fireplace.

Many fireplay (matchplay) problems are solved by having the child promise to use fire and matches ONLY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PARENT OR RESPONSIBLE ADULT, and by the adult agreeing to allow the child to use matches when it is appropriate.

Fire serves a very important and necessary role in our lives. The earlier a person learns the proper and safe use of fire, the less likely there will be a desire to "play" with matches and fire.

Most children, at one time or another , express an interest in fire. Some children simply watch, but others may try to experiment. This interest is normal and healthy. However, this activity and interest must be carefully guided in order to prevent a tragedy.

The statement, "Don't play with matches," gives the child no positive information and does not explain the safe use of matches. A child's curiosity is generally what causes him/her to play with matches. Parents demonstrating the proper and safe use of matches should guide this curiosity.

In general, the average age to begin the "Match is a Tool" education is about five years old. However, parents/guardians/caregivers will need to determine when the individual child is ready. For young children, KEEP MATCHES OUT OF THEIR REACH. This includes cigarette lighters and related items. The wooden (strike anywhere) kitchen match should not be used or kept in homes where young children are present.

You, as a parent/guardian/caregiver, must set a good example in your use of fire. If you follow safe practices, your children will do the same.

This information is supplied by the Shriners Burn Institute.






SMOKE DETECTORS

WHY YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT RESIDENTIAL FIRES

Nationally, over 5,000 people are killed each year in their own home. In fires where multiple deaths occur, 80% are between the hours of 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

In order to increase the total life safety in the State of Illinois, it is a goal to have a minimum of one properly installed and operating smoke detector in every home. Ideally, you should have a smoke detector on every level of your home to include: tops of stairways, outside bedrooms, and in the basement.

Installing, Maintaining and Testing Smoke Detectors: To insure that your smoke detector will work properly, consult your owner's manual to determine the proper procedures suggested for your model.

SOME SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Test Your Smoke Detector Weekly - Review your owner's manual and determine the proper method suggested for your model. If uncertain, contact your local fire department for proper instructions.
  2. Replace Batteries Twice a Year - Establish dates for battery replacement (spring and fall time change). Also, a chirping sound indicates that the battery needs replacing.
  3. Clean Your Smoke Detector Annually - Use a vacuum cleaner to remove collected dust particles accumulating over the year's period.
  4. All Members of the Household Should Be Aware of the Alarm Source - Review with all members of the household the location and use of the detector. It is suggested that a different member test the alarm weekly.
  5. Contact the Fire Department For ALL Fires.





IS YOUR NUMBER UP?

Firefighters and ambulance personnel waste no time answering an alarm. Everything they do is calculated and rehearsed to save every possible second.

The trouble is, they can't always find your home in a hurry.

Why? Because the house numbers can't be seen!! ... or ... can't be read instantly from the street.

Take a look at your house number from the street AT NIGHT to see if it is completely visible and readable, and whether the lighting is adequate for someone to read who is not familiar with it.

House numbers that are too small, painted over, so old that some digits are missing, covered or partly covered by plantings, written out in fancy script, attached to a garage door (therefore, only visible if the door is closed), or not adequately lit at night -- all these are threats to life in case the fire truck or ambulance is trying to help someone at that address.

You're REALLY in trouble if you have no house numbers at all???

Firefighters, ambulance, and police personnel are ready to help you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day -- but you have to take a little time yourself to display your house number clearly, so they can find where you are.






ELECTRICITY

DO
  • Only use plugs that fit outlet (a three prong plug should only go into a three prong outlet).
  • Check that wire insulation is in good condition.
  • Keep motors and tools properly lubricated.
  • Use extension cords only when necessary and only if they are rated high enough for the job.
  • Use waterproof cords outdoors.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions for all electrical equipment.
  • Leave electrical repairs to skilled maintenance personnel and licensed electricians.
DON'T
  • Don't overload outlets or motors.
  • Don't let grease, dust, or dirt build up on machinery.
  • Don't place cords near heat or water.
  • Don't run cords along the floor, under rugs and carpets or through doors where they can be damaged..
  • Don't touch anything electric with wet hands.
  • Don't put anything but an electrical plug into an electrical outlet.
  • Don't use temporary wiring in place of permanent wiring.

KNOW WHAT TO DO

SHOCK - Don't touch the victim. Turn off power immediately if possible and call the fire department for medical help. Use a stick or other nonconducting aid to move the victim away from the shock source. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If the heart has stopped, give CPR. Try not to move the victim. Keep the person lying down and lightly covered.

ELECTRICAL FIRE - Don't use water or touch the burning object. If possible to do it safely, unplug or turn off the current. If the fire's small, put it out with a CO2 or multi-purpose ABC extinguisher. Always notify the fire department immediately.

BURNS - For minor burns, rinse with cool water and cover with clean dry cloth. Cover a major burn with a clean dry cloth and seek immediate medical attention.






FIREWORKS (4th of July Novelties)

The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance's goal is to keep fireworks out of the hands of children and to reduce the number of fireworks related injuries and fires.

In Illinois, the term fireworks is defined to mean and include any explosive compound or any substance or combination of substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect of temporary nature by explosion, combustion, or detonation.

The tern "fireworks" does not include snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices, sparklers, trick noisemakers (known as party poppers, snappers, cigarette loads), toy guns (cap pistols), or other devices in which paper or plastic caps are used. These devices are often referred to as novelty fireworks (novelties).

CHILDREN HAVE A LOT TO LOSE

Young people suffer the great majority of fireworks injuries, which typically harm the eyes, head, or hands. These injuries can result in blindness, permanent scarring, and amputation.

Teach children at an early age that fireworks are explosive devices, they are not toys. Be sure children understand it is too risky to touch or pick up fireworks and teach them to tell an adult if they find fireworks. Click to view large (155k) image

Sparklers cause hundreds of injuries to children every year. They are designed to burn hot, and can reach temperatures as high as 1800° F. Sparklers stay hot long after they've burned out. You wouldn't hand a matchbook or lighter to a child to wave around and play with, so why would you give a child a sparkler to hold? (To print out your own Full-sized Landscape/printable version of this poster.)

Data from the United States Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than users themselves.

COMMON SENSE FIREWORKS (NOVELTIES) SAFETY TIPS

THE ILLINOIS FIRE SAFETY ALLIANCE RECOMMENDS THAT THE USE OF ALL 4th OF JULY FIREWORKS BE LEFT TO THE PROFESSIONALS.





HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

An escape plan is a strategy for a safe exit from your home during a fire.

Hopefully, you'll never have a fire in your home. But if a fire does occur, your safety will depend on calm, rational action. An escape plan can be your key to a safe way out.

DESIGNING A HOME ESCAPE PLAN Draw the floor plan of your home on a piece of paper. Post your plan where it can easily be seen (such as on your refrigerator). Be sure to include:

  • ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS
  • PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE EXITS
  • EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
  • OUTDOOR MEETING PLACE
  • SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
    (who will call fire department, sound the alarm, check that everyone got out, etc.)
  • LOCATION OF SMOKE DETECTORS

HOLD FIRE DRILLS REGULARLY Your plan may look good on paper, but will it really work? Regular drills allow you to test your plan and adjust it as needed. Practice using alternate escape routes. Children should practice getting out of windows (only while under a parent's/guardian's supervision).

SOME SURVIVAL TIPS If you hear the smoke detector, smell smoke or someone is shouting fire:

PLAN FOR ANY SPECIAL NEEDS Certain people face greater risks during a fire. You may need to make special arrangements for:

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM FIRE





HOT LIQUIDS BURN LIKE FIRE!

Thousands of scald burns occur annually in the U.S., and the two highest risk populations are children under the age of 4 and adults over 65.

Did you know?

Scalds in the Kitchen

Scalds and Microwave Ovens

Hot Tap Water and Scald Burns Too Hot for Tots

Continuous and adequate supervision of young children is the single most important factor in preventing tap water scald burns.

Acknowledgements:
Burn Institute, San Diego, CA
Shriners Burn Institute, Cincinnati, OH

"TOO HOT FOR TOTS THERMOMETERS"

The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance has made the "Too Hot For Tots" bath thermometer available to hospital maternity units, fire departments or groups who would like to purchase them for public awareness or burn prevention programs such as babysitting classes, health fairs, village Welcome Wagon packets, etc. The Alliance hopes the distribution of these cards will raise the burn awareness level to help decrease the number of scald burns that continue to occur in Illinois. We have calculated our cost to be $1.00 per card. We can make them available to you at our cost in packages of 50 for a donation of $50. For more information, contact the Alliance office at (847) 390-0911 or (800) 634-0911.









FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IN THE HOME

To protect your family and your home --
have a good fire extinguisher close at hand and know how to use it.
Fire Extinguisher

In case of fire -- stay calm.

Every home should be equipped with one or more fire extinguishers and every person in the home should know how to use them properly.

Before you buy an extinguisher, make sure it has the ABC symbols on it. The type that suppresses all three classes is a dry chemical multipurpose type extinguisher. The dry chemical blankets the fuel with powder and smothers the fire.

For maximum protection in kitchen and garage fires, a portable fire extinguisher that will extinguish a class A, B, and C fire is recommended.

Class A - Fires consisting of burning wood, cloth, paper, rubbish or plastic.
Class B - Fires of burning paint, grease, oil, or gasoline.
Class C - Fires occurring in electric motors, electrical panels, and electrical wiring.

PROPER LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IS IMPORTANT

Put the right extinguisher in the right places. Place them throughout the house (at least one per floor), near exits, in full view so they can be reached quickly and easily.

PROPER MAINTENANCE IS A MUST

Check fire extinguishers regularly according to manufacturer's instructions.






BABYSITTING

Keep these safety tips in mind; they will make your babysiffing experience both safe and fun for you and the children.

  1. Know what to do in emergencies by being prepared for one, knowing what could happen and how to react to it.
  2. Always know where the emergency exits are located.
  3. Keep doors and windows locked for the safety of both you and the children.
  4. Know where "dangerous" items are located such as medicines, bleaches, household cleaners and electrical appliances. Keep them out of children's reach if parents have not locked them away in a secure place.
  5. In case of accident or illness, don't try to be a doctor or nurse except for minor cuts and bruises.
  6. Keep your babysifter's "emergency checklist" handy.
  7. Depend on parent/guardian or a neighbor in any emergency situation that you are not sure how to handle yourself.
  8. Prevent play accidents by keeping yourself safe. Supervise where they play, what they play with and teach them safe play.

CHECK LIST >>>>>>>>>>>
Print, Cut Out, and Put By The Phone

BABYSITTER'S FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST

1. Emergency Phone Numbers:
Fire: _________________________________________
Police: _______________________________________
Ambulance: ___________________________________
Poison Control Center: __________________________

2. Babysitting Address:
________________________________________________
(cross street if available)

3. Telephone Numbers Where Parents Are:
________________________________________________

4. Time Parents Are Expected To Return:
________________________________________________

5. Location of:
Exits: _________________________________________
Smoke Detectors: _______________________________
Fire Extinguisher: _______________________________

6. Are Home Escape Plans Posted? ________________

7. Neighbor's Name and Phone Number:
________________________________________________

8. Relative's Name and Phone Number:
________________________________________________

9. Child's Medical Problems:
________________________________________________

10. Expected Vistors:
________________________________________________

11. Other Instructions:
________________________________________________






HOW TO CALL FOR HELP

HOW TO MAKE A 9-1-1 OR AN EMERGENCY CALL

Call from a safe place: Get away from sources of danger (fire, gas leak, etc.). Call from a neighbor's house or a pay phone.

Stay calm: Speak clearly and slowly, to make sure you get the help you need. Telephone

Answer all questions: Give any information that the emergency dispatcher asks for. If you have a cellular phone be certain to give your exact location and call-back number.

Listen for instructions: Do exactly as the dispatcher says.

Stay on the line: Do not hang up until you are told to do so.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO CALL 9-1-1 OR AN EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR HELP

MAKE SURE THEY:

Never make prank calls: Tell children that making fake emergency calls puts people's lives at risk. It is also against the law.

Understand when to call: Explain which kinds of situations are emergencies and which are not.

How to dial 9-1-1: Don't program 9-1-1 on a speed-dialing device. Instead have children memorize the number. Then, have them practice dialing it with a disconnected phone.

Know their full name, address and phone number: Being able to give this information quickly can make all the difference in an emergency.

Follow all instructions: Teach children to stay on the line until they are told to hang up.

SPECIAL NOTE

Parents/guardians/caregivers should be aware that some communities do not have 9-1-1 emergency service.
We therefore recommend that before you began training you confirm the emergency number with your local emergency service provider.






CHILDREN AND FIRE ... A DEADLY COMBINATION

Children have a natural curiosity that can be exasperating at times. This curiosity is how children learn about their environment. Unfortunately, fire is so unpredictable and dangerous that a moment of carelessness can result in a lifetime of regret.

Education and information are the best two weapons that a parent/guardian or teacher has to prevent a child from experiencing burn injuries. Teaching the child fire safe behaviors early can reduce the level of curiosity, thereby removing the child's urge to experiment on their own. If you do not know what to teach your child, contact your local fire department.

Not all children start fires because they are curious. Some children use fire to release feelings of anger or depression. These children are probably experiencing other forms of unacceptable behavior as well. A statewide firesetter hotline is available for parents or teachers to access information and resources to deal with these types of children. The hotline number is 1-800-446-1589 and it is monitored 24 hours per day. A trained Youthful Firesetter Intervention Specialist from the Illinois Youthful Firesetter Intervention Association will return your call and offer options for resolving the problem.

Children, for malicious reasons, set some fires. These fires are started to cover up other crimes and are usually premeditated. These types of firesetters are introduced into the legal system and are not a part of the fire safety program.

The Youthful Firesetter program starts with an in depth interview process that allows the Intervention Specialist the ability to meet the family. The interviews are broken into three sections. The first is done with the child. Questions are asked from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) JFS Guidelines. While this interview is being conducted, the parents fill out a parental questionnaire. Finally, the family is brought together and interviewed as a group. All three interviews are then reviewed. Scores from these tests are tabulated and from that information, a decision is made as to how to approach the process of discontinuing the firesetting behavior. The main choices are fire safety education, mental health intervention with fire safety education, or referral to police.

As caregivers for a child, it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians and the teachers to insure the child stops playing with fire. The consequences of ignoring this problem could be deadly. The Youthful Firesefter Program was designed to refocus the child's behavior towards constructive activities and eliminating the inappropriate ones. The program has a very high success ratio.






WHAT IS A BURN?

A burn involves the destruction of skin cells, and sometimes the underlying structures of muscle, fascia and bone. It occurs when these structures absorb more heat than their capacity to dissipate it.

Children and older adults, by virtue of their thinner skin, sustain severe burns at lower temperatures and in less time than an adult. Exposure for just three seconds to water which is 140° F (the temperature of the average home's hot water as it comes from the tap) can result in a full thickness or third degree burn, which would require hospitalization and skin grafts. An adult would have to be exposed to the same temperature for up to five seconds to sustain the same burn. At a higher temperature, the time required to obtain a serious burn can be reduced to a fraction of a second.

Most people think of burns in terms of degrees: first, second and third degree burns. The medical profession often categorizes burns in terms of thickness - full thickness and partial thickness.

Degree Cause Surface Appearance Color Pain Level Healing time
FIRST
(Superficial) 		Sunburn, scald, flash flame. Dry, no blisters Pink Painful 2 - 5 days with peeling, no scarring, may discolor
SECOND Contact with hot liquids or solids, flash flame, chemical Moist blisters Pink to cherry red Painful Superficial: 5-21 days no grafting. Deep: no infection, 21-35 days; If infected, converts to full thickness
THIRD
(Full thickness)		 Contact with hot liquids or solids, flame, chemical, electrical Dry and leathery until removed. Charred blood vessels visible under skin Mixed white, waxy, pearly or dark khaki, mahogany, charred No pain, nerve endings dead Large areas may need months with skin grafting; small areas may heal with grafting within weeks

WHAT ARE APPROPRIATE FIRST AID RESPONSES?
Remember: A quick response can help lessen the extent of injury. First Aid Cross

Boiling Teapot

NEVER:

  1. Pour cold water on a burn.
  2. Pack burned area with ice.
  3. Apply butter or ointment immediately

Doing any of the above can make injuries worse.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

MINOR BURN INJURIES: Cool burn with tepid water. Antimicrobial ointment may be applied with a bandage after the wound is cooled. Consult with physician for additional treatment, particularly if skin breaks or pain does not subside.
ELECTRICAL INJURIES: DO NOT TOUCH the person who is in contact with electricity.
YOU WILL BE INJURED. Disconnect the source of power or call for for assistance, then begin first aid. Primary concern is airway, breathing, circulation, and cervical spine immobilization, then assess for additional injuries.
CHEMICAL INJURIES: Remove clothing before flushing with water. Check for contact lenses, which should be removed before irrigation. Use caution not to flush chemical on parts of body that are not contaminated. Read the container label for information or consult with Poison Control Center before administering first aid for specific chemical reactions.
"A burn injury may be one while painful, poses no risk to the patient's life and will heal with no cosmetic deformity or impairment Unfortunately, burn injuries can also be the most serious forms of injury that a patient experiences, places their life at great risk and causes long term impairment and disability. Recognizing burn injuries and the importance of initial intervention are critical to a successful outcome."

Richard L. Gamelli, M.D.
Loyola University Burn Center






FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST

Any "No" Answer Can Be a Hazard


YES
NO
NA
    
1.
 Is there at least one smoke detector on every level of your home?
2.
 Do you and your family know what your smoke detector, alarm, or building fire alarm sounds like?
3.
 Are your smoke detectors tested regularly?
4.
 Is there a fire extinguisher in your home and do you and your family know how to use it?
5.
 Does your family have a fire escape plan?
6.
 Have you and your family had a fire drill at home to be sure you would all know how to escape if you had to?
7.
 Does everyone know two ways out of every room in your house?
8.
 Does everyone in your family know where the meeting place is outside in case of fire?
9.
 Does everyone in your family know to get out quickly and stay out of a burning building?
10.
 Do you and your family know how to call the fire department in case of an emergency and is the number posted near every phone?
11.
 Are matches kept in a metal container away from heat and away from children?
12.
 Are all matches, cigarettes, and ciger butts carefully extinguished before disposing of them?
13.
 Do all the smokers at home know not to smoke in bed?
14.
 Are stoves, broilers, and other cooking equipment kept clean and free of grease?
15.
 Are the fuses or circuit breakers adequate for your home?
16.
 Are all the electrical cords kept in good condition -- not frayed or worn?
17.
 Are extension cords kept out from under rugs, carpets, and off nails and pipes?
18.
 Is only one appliance or device plugged into an extension cord?
19.

Is the heating system in your home inspected annually by a qualified technician?
20.
 Are furnaces, stoves, and flupipes properly maintained and inspected?
21.
 Are curtains and clothing kept away from stoves and heaters?
22.
 Are spaces around water heaters, furnaces,etc., free from combustible materials and flammable liquids?
23.
 Are gasoline and other flammable liquids kept in approved safety containers and not in glass or plastic containers?
24.
 When you employ babysitters, do you instruct them in what to do in case of fire?
25.
 Did your entire family take part in completing this checklist?