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This information and more is available as a downloadable and printable pdf file
Smoke Detectors Save Lives
Smoke detectors warn you of a fire in time for you to escape, so
do not ignore them. The Housing Code in Ann Arbor requires
that landlords provide detectors and determines their placement.
Do not remove the batteries for any other use, or if you are
annoyed by the alarm (when cooking, for example). Be sure to
test your smoke detectors monthly.
Space Heaters Are A Fire-Safety Hazard
Portable space heaters must be kept at least three feet away
from anything potentially flammable. Never leave space heaters
on when you leave home or go to bed. Because it is expensive,
inefficient, and dangerous to heat with space heaters, many landlords
specifically forbid their use. Instead, turn up the furnace
thermostat (or ask your landlord to do so) and dress appropriately
for the weather.
If You Smell Gas
Gas leaks are a serious fire safety hazard. If you smell gas, avoid
any open flames. Do not turn electrical switches on or off, or
light matches or cigarettes. Open windows and doors to air out
your home, then get out. Call your gas utility supplier and/or the
fire department from an outside phone and let them know that
there is a gas leak. Do not reenter your home until your utility
supplier has checked and fixed the problem.
Use Electricity Safely
If an appliance starts smoking, has an unusual smell, or causes a
fuse to blow, unplug it immediately. It may be malfunctioning
and should be repaired. Call your landlord if you have questions
or need assistance with malfunctioning items in your rental unit.
Replace any frayed or cracked electrical cords. Take care not to
overload outlets with multiple outlet adapters and extension
cords. Avoid running cords under carpets or rugs. Use only the
proper size fuses. Remember that a blown fuse is a warning the
electrical system is overloaded or an appliance is malfunctioning.
Cooking Precautions
Never leave cooking unattended. Do not put papers, boxes, plastic
or anything other than cookware on gas/electric burners and
be cautious when wearing loose fitting clothing around the
burners. Many fires have started from overheated grease,
because heat can cause the grease to burst into flame. If this
happens, carefully slide a lid over the fire and turn off the burner.
Do not use water on grease or electrical fires. Never put foils or
other metals in microwave ovens.
Take Care When Smoking
Carelessly discarded cigarettes are the leading cause of fire
deaths in the United States. Never smoke in bed or while you
are drowsy, because dropped embers may start fires. Provide
large, deep ashtrays for smokers and do not empty them until
absolutely certain that any smoking embers have been thoroughly
extinguished.
Candles Are an Open Flame
While candles create a special mood in the home, they should be
used with caution and respect. Place candles on sturdy holders
that will not tip or burn and position them far away from curtains
and other flammable items. Never leave burning candles
unattended. In emergencies such as power outages, use flashlights,
which are safer and more dependable than candles. Candles
should be used for strictly ornamental purposes in the home.
Fire Extinguishers Are A Handy Precaution
Keep a small, inexpensive fire extinguisher on hand at all times.
Most apartment buildings are equipped with hallway fire extinguishers,
but it is a good idea to invest in your own personal one.
An “ABC”dry chemical extinguisher can be used on any kind of fire.
These can be purchased at Meijer,Target, or most hardware stores.
Protecting Personal Belongings
It is a good idea to obtain renter’s insurance, if belongings are
not already covered by your parent’s insurance policy, because
landlord’s insurance will not usually reimburse tenant(s) for personal
property destroyed by fire or other hazards. Renter’s insurance
can be easily obtained from many local insurance agencies
and is relatively inexpensive.
In Case of Fire
Plan and practice two escapes out of every room, in preparation
for any emergency. If your clothes catch on fire, you must immediately
STOP,DROP and ROLL. If you must escape through
smoke, crawl to the nearest safe exit.Get out immediately, do not
stop for personal items or to call for help. Get to a safe location
outside the building, then call 911 if you are able. Notify others as
you leave by yelling,“FIRE!” and knocking on doors as you leave.
Commonly Used Items
Other commonly used items in the home can be fire hazards. A
grill can be a fire hazard, for example. Do not place grills on
wooden porches or under overhangs, where fires may start.
Halogen lamps also become a fire hazard when left unattended
near flammable objects.
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