A selection of links for emergency preparedness for fires related disasters. The source of the reference is also given along with them. Write to us at dmis@sristi.org

Unfortunately since the majority of fires are started by humans, fires can occur at anytime.

Before a wildfire threatens:
-Create a 30 to 100 foot safety zone around your house by removing leaves, flammable vegetation and dead branches.
-Clear a 10 foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue.
-Thin a 15 foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.

When a wildfire threatens:
-Park your car/other vehicles facing the direction of escape.
-Confine pets to one room.  Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
-If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

If you're sure you have time, take steps to protect your home:
-Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings and heavy drapes.  Remove lightweight curtains and flammable drapes.
-Close gas valves and turn off pilot lights.
-Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.
-Wet shrubs within 15 feet of home. More go to http://www.alachua-em.org/ifp/preparedness_tips.htm

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Each year, fire kills more People than all natural disasters combined. At least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in homes.

Prevent Fires:

• Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, furniture and anything that could get hot and catch fire away from portable heaters.

• Keep flammable items such as towels, clothing and curtains away from the stove.

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.

• Be sure your heating and electrical systems are properly maintained and in good working order.

• Carefully follow the instructions on all appliances and heating units, taking special care not to overload your electrical system.

• Be especially careful that your decorations for celebrations such as Diwali and Christmas are safely displayed.

Be Prepared for Fire:

• Please keep a provision for a home fire extinguisher or any aid which could be used for fighting home fires. Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Check your extinguisher to ensure that it is properly charged. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, replace it or have it professionally serviced. Get training from your local fire department in fire extinguisher use.

Plan Escape Routes:

• For large homes and apartments, draw a floor plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two ways to escape from every room and the apartment.

• If you must use an escape ladder from some rooms, be sure that everyone knows how to use it.

• Select a safe location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.

• Practice a low-crawl escape with children from their bedrooms. Try it with your eyes closed to demonstrate what it would be like in thick smoke.

Escape Safely in the Event of Fire:

• If you see smoke in your first escape route, use a pre-planned second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl close to the ground, under the smoke to escape.

• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, don't open it. Use your pre-planned secondary route of escape. If it is not hot, open the door slowly and check for smoke and fire.

• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exits, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

• Once you are outside, meet at your designated meeting place and then call for help. Never re-enter a burning building!

Protect Your Property:

• Insure your personal property. 

• Store important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and insurance papers in a fire-proof box or in the refrigerator. Better yet, rent a safety deposit box at your local bank.

• Make an itemized list of your personal property, including furniture, clothing, appliances and other valuables. Keep this list up to date and store it with other important documents. For more go to http://www.nashvilleredcross.org/disastertips/fires.shtml

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Some simple tips to avoid home fires caused due to accidents which are avoidable: 

• Always keep an eye on food being heated. Unattended cooking causes the majority of fires in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.

• Keep children away from appliances when cooking. Enforce a "kid-free zone" around the stove and teach youngsters not to play in that area. If you allow older children to cook, supervise them closely and teach them safe cooking practices.

• Dress appropriately for cooking. Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking and use caution when working near heat sources.

• Try not to reach over the stove. You can avoid this by not storing items you use directly over or behind the stovetop.

• Turn handles inward so pots and pans won't be pulled or knocked off the stove. Take precautions and turn handles away from danger.

• Keep the stove-top clean and clear. Keep food and grease from building up by cleaning often and keep things that can catch fire, like pot holders or wooden utensils, away from heat.

• Carefully monitor hot oil, keeping the pan lid close at hand. Guard against splattering grease by lowering food into oil with utensils; don't just drop it in. Know what to do in case a grease fire occurs.

• If you're cooking with oil and it ignites, don't throw water on the fire. Don't try moving the pan either. Turn the burner off and smother the fire with a pan lid. If this doesn't work, leave the house and call the fire department.

• If you have a fire in your microwave oven, close the door to the microwave and unplug it. Don't use the microwave again until you've had it serviced.

• Do not put any metallic materials in the microwave oven, which may cause sparks and eventually damage the microwave.

• Use caution with electrical appliances. Plug one appliance into an outlet at a time. Have appliances with frayed or cracked cords repaired before use. Keep heat-producing appliances away from walls and curtains. Be extra careful when working around water. Never stand in or near water when using electrical appliances.

• Keep appliance cords as short as possible to avoid accidents such as tripping or knocking the appliance over.

• Keep appliances in proper working order. Avoid using them if they are defective.

• Always have hot pads and lids ready when cooking. You may need them if you experience a small pan fire.

• Keep emergency numbers by the telephone - police, fire, poison control, and doctor.

• Prevent boil-overs by not overfilling pots. Use recommended temperatures instead of increasing the heat to reduce cooking time.

• Use a burner that's the appropriate size for the pan/utensil you're using.

Source:  http://www.lifeessentialsbyzee.com/zee/safety/zLifeE_safety_fmpshm_020.html & various Internet sites as mentioned