The Best Way to Stop Fires? Fire Prevention.
Fire Safety Tips - Guidance on Prevention and Detection*
Fire Extinguishers
Having a fire extinguisher is an inexpensive, easy way to extinguish a small fire before it gets big. We recommend using a ABC extinguisher that works on all types of fires. Keep one in your kitchen, basement, shed, and make sure they are easy to get to. Always get one with a gauge on it, and check them when you change the clocks to ensure they are still charged. If you need to use it, pull the pin, then slowly discharge the cylinder toward the base of the flames. Keep close to the door. If in doubt, call 911 first. Remember: a fire's size doubles every minute!
Smoke Alarms
Make sure your house has smoke alarms. It's important that they are interconnected, so if one sounds, the others are triggered. We recommend that you have your alarms monitored by a central station service. That way if you're away from home, the fire department will still get notified if there is an alarm. And, have detectors and your system checked annually to make sure everything is working.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is created by combustion. It can come from boilers, cars, wood stoves and many other appliances that burn a fuel; be it wood, oil, gasoline or paper. These items all produce CO when they burn as a combustion by-product. If there is a venting problem, CO can build up and become dangerous. Since you can't see or smell it, you need to have detectors that can. Detectors are inexpensive and can save your life. Since 2006 in Massachusetts, all homes that have fossil fuel burning equipment, or an attached garage are required to have CO detectors on each level of the home. You can have combined smoke/CO detectors. Remember: When you change your clocks in the spring and fall, that's a good time to change your CO and smoke alarm batteries.
Smoke Alarm Requirements
Massachusetts has strict requirements around smoke alarms. If you're buying or selling a house, or just wondering if you have the right smoke detectors in your house, please contact Carlisle Fire Department's Fire Prevention Office, at 978-287-0072, or email the Chief. The MA Department of Fire Services also has a guide to CO and smoke alarm requirements.
Home Escape Plans
Whether you live alone, or you have a spouse and kids with you, it's critical to have an escape plan if there's a fire. Know and practice how to get out of your house, and where you'll go. Remember, it can be dark and scary in a fire. Have a flashlight, stay low, and get out. Want to know more? Information on home escape plans.
Additional Links:
MA Comprehensive Fire Safety Code
*The information provided herein is meant only as a brief informational guide, and does not take the place of professional review and guidance from a qualified fire department or licensed code enforcement official. Please contact your local fire department for information. This information is not meant to be used in a real emergency. In the event of a fire, medical or other emergency Call 911.