Page 32 - Home Health Marketing

 Make a family fire escape plan and practice it every six months. Plan at
least two different escape routes from each room for each family member.
If your exit is through a ground floor window, make sure it opens easily.
 If you live in an apartment building, know where the exit stairs are located.
Do not use an elevator during a fire emergency.
 Designate a safe place in front of the house or apartment building for
family members to meet after escaping a fire.
 If your fire escape is cut off, remain calm, close the door and seal cracks
to hold back smoke. Signal for help at the window.
 Evacuate a bedbound patient to a safe area by placing him or her on a
sturdy blanket and pulling or dragging the patient out of the home.
 Avoid excess clutter of newspapers, magazines, clothing, etc. These piles
can become a fuel source for potential fires.
 Remember, life safety is first, but if the fire is contained and small, you may
be able to use your fire extinguisher until the fire department arrives.
 Have your heating system checked and cleaned regularly by someone
qualified to do maintenance.
 Wood-burning stoves should be properly installed. The chimney should be
inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep and trash should
not be burned in stove because it could overheat. Gasoline or other
flammable liquids should never be used to start wood stove fires.
 Keep portable electric or kerosene heaters out of high-traffic areas. Operate
them on the floor at least three feet from upholstered furniture, drapes,
bedding and other combustible materials, and turn them off when family
members leave the house or go to sleep. Use kerosene heaters only in well-
ventilated rooms. Store kerosene outside in a tightly sealed, labeled container.
 Make sure electrical appliances and cords are clean, in good condition and
not exposed to liquids.
 Electrical outlets should be grounded and outlets with several plugs
should not be used.
 Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects (potholders, towels, etc.).
 Keep storage area above the stove free of flammable/combustible items.
 Wear short or tight sleeves while cooking; don’t reach over stove burner.
 Do not leave the stove unattended when cooking, especially when the
burner is turned to a high setting.
 Turn pan handles away from burners and the edge of the stove.
 Avoid cooking on high heat with oils and fat.
 Puncture plastic wrap before heating foods in the microwave.
 Never place hot liquids/solids at edge of counter.
 Place layered protection between skin and heating pad.
 Keep electrical appliances away from the bathtub or shower area.
 Never leave patient alone in the shower/tub.
 Set water heater thermostat below 120F to prevent accidental scalding.
 Store flammable liquids in properly labeled, tightly closed, non-glass
containers. Store away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges and
other gas appliances. Make sure the garage is adequately ventilated.

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