Page 30 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book

“Notify the local fire department and power company of any special
needs to help them prepare to restore power in the event of a power

outage”

CAUSES AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF HOME FIRES

Source: NFPA fire Analysis and research

Home fires are not only a risk to you and your family but also your neighbors and their families. With the
increase in multi-family residence i.e. condominiums, townhomes and apartments it is very important everyone
understands the dangers fire can bring.

Did you know the cooking equipment was the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries in the
US?

Heating equipment was the second most common cause of home fire fatalities followed by intentional acts,
electrical distribution and lighting equipment, smoking materials, clothes dryers or washers, candles and lastly
playing with a heat source.

Regardless of the cause, 60% of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarm or an alarm that is not
functioning.

“Remember to check your smoke alarms once a month!”

Home fires peak in the cooler months, when people are lighting candles, using their fire places and woodstoves
more frequently. Make certain family members and guests are responsible when using or enjoying these items.

*If you are using liquid or compress oxygen your safest line of defense is to remove yourself from all heat and
flame producing items.

To read about fire safety tips that can be tailored to your specific home environment please visit:
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Because the weather is not always predictable, you should be prepared for whatever “Mother Nature” brings.
Below are some precautions you should consider for preparing for any type of an emergency:

1. Contact the local National Weather Service, Emergency Services office and/or the Red Cross to find out the
types of weather or disasters that could potentially occur in the area. The Red Cross can assist in preparing
for major disasters and help put together a disaster plan. They also supply the community’s emergency
warning signals and evacuation plans.
2. Notify the local fire department and power company of any special needs. This helps them prepare, should
they need to come to the home or to prioritize restoration of power in the event of an outage.
3. In the event your power goes out, keep a portable radio available with charged batteries and listen for an
“Emergency Information Station”.