These tips are intended as a guide, and not a complete list of fire prevention strategies. For more information, contact the Tuscaloosa Fire Department at 205-349-0164 or the Northport Fire Department at 205-333-3020.
Call 911 for fire emergencies. Program emergency response numbers into your cell phone.
Make sure you have a fire escape plan and keep exit routes clear.
You should have two escape routes from each room, usually a window and a door.
Windows and doors should open easily. Ask the landlord to fix them if they don’t.
You should leave the building immediately if you suspect a fire.
If caught in a fire, stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation.
Use a damp cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
Feel the door, if it is hot, do not open it. Look for another exit from the room. If the door is not hot, open it slowly.
Get yourself out first, then use a cell phone or neighbor’s phone to call for help.
Don’t try to put the fire out yourself. Call for help.
Remember – STOP, DROP and ROLL if you catch fire.
Never go back inside a burning building.
Smoke Detectors
Test smoke detectors once a month. Make sure they are clear of dust and debris; don’t just push the test button. Ask the landlord to install smoke detectors if there aren’t any or ask if you can install them yourself.
Change the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year. You can remember to do this by changing them when the time changes in the fall and spring.
Smoke detectors should be located in or near each bedroom and in the living area.
Smoking
It is a good idea to never smoke inside and never smoke in bed.
Run cigarettes and cigar butts under water before putting in the trash.
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Cooking
Don’t leave the kitchen with food cooking in the oven or on the stove.
Make sure loose clothing that could touch a burner and catch fire is tucked away.
Keep things that could burn such as potholders, plastic containers, paper products and dish towels away from the cook top and heating elements.
Turn the oven and/or stove off when you finish cooking.
Turn off and unplug small appliances after using them (toasters, coffee makers).
Don’t leave a grill unattended while grilling and never use a grill in an unventilated area.
Make sure the grill is located at least 3′ away from anything combustible.
Only use lighter fluid designated for use with charcoal grills.
Make sure coals are completely out before discarding them.
If using a gas grill, make sure the lines are securely attached and turn off the gas when you finish grilling.
Candles
Never leave burning candles or incense unattended.
Use candle holders that are stable and made of glass or metal.
Make sure candles are out completely before you leave the room or fall asleep.
Place candles where they won’t be knocked over.
Heating
If you use space heaters, keep them at least 3′ from anything that could catch on fire.
Turn the space heater off when you leave the room, go to bed, leave the house, etc..
Have central heating systems inspected and cleaned annually before using.
Have chimneys inspected annually and cleaned if needed before using.
Keep things that could catch on fire away from the fireplace.
Use a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace.
Electrical
Make sure extension cords are in good condition.
Never run extension cords under rugs or over a doorway.
Never let furniture sit on top of an extension cord.
Never hook an extension cord to a nail or tie a knot in a cord.
Always use the proper size extension cord.
If a breaker is tripped, find out why and remove appliances that are causing the tripped breaker.
Make sure a correctly sized fuse is used in each socket in the fuse box.
Make sure the computer, TV, stereo, refrigerator, etc. are well ventilated and plugged into a surge protector.
Use the correct wattage light bulbs in lamps and light fixtures.
All outlets should be covered by face plates.
Miscellaneous
Store flammable materials in safety cans, outside, away from heat sources.
Never fill a hot lawn mower with gasoline. Allow the motor to cool first.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near bedrooms.
Keep the garage, attic, closets and yard free of clutter (papers, empty boxes, etc.).
