Fire Safety on the Farm

Burns and other fire-related injuries are the fourth leading cause of unintentional deaths, accounting for 4,200 US deaths in 1994. The highest number of fire-related deaths occur during the months of December and January.

Children, especially age 5 and under, are at the greatest risk of home fire-related death and injury. Young children don't know what to do and are likely to panic in a fire. They may hide in a closet or behind a bed instead of escaping. Teaching people how to prevent fire and what to do if fire strikes can save lives and property. Ninety percent of child fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors.

One way to prevent fires in the house is to install smoke detectors. After purchasing smoke detectors, where should they go? The best place for smoke detectors is.......

• outside the bedrooms
• each level in the home

• Test smoke detectors once a month and replace the batteries once a year
• Replace smoke detectors that are ten years of age or older.
• Place proper fire extinguishers in strategic locations, making sure they are accessible.
• Get training on how to use fire extinguishers.
• Plan your escape routes.
• Keep matches away from children.
• Don't allow children to enter a confined livestock area or housing structure if it catches on fire.
• Designate one place outside where family members should meet in case of fire.
• Install lightening rods.
• Store gasoline and other flammable fuels in proper containers in a cool place.
• Turn off engines when refueling machines.