Kcmo  fire department

Kevin Beck of the Kansas City MO Fire Department shared these tips with us.

 

Smoke Detectors:

 

The Fire Department will provide any homeowner with two free smoke detectors for their home, regardless if you’re almost bankrupt or a millionaire. They don’t care. They want you to be safe and will provide these to anyone in the city. They will also come and change out batteries as needed for anyone who cannot do so due to age, infirmity or injury.

 

Fire Extinguishers

 

Fire extinguishers in the home are a great idea if you do a couple simple things. First, turn it over twice a year and shake it or tap the bottom to get the powder which settles on the bottom mixed into the liquid. They won’t work if this solidifies on the bottom.

 

Check the placement of the extinguisher to make sure it makes sense - not too close to the likely source of the fire (stove or furnace). Last, they have to be replaced when the indicator drops from the green zone to the red or every five to seven years, whichever comes first.

 

Use the PASS system

 

Pull the pin

Aim the extinguisher

Squeeze the trigger

Sweep side to side at the base of the fire

 

Escape Ladders

 

Ropes or escape ladders on upstairs floors are great. Be sure to shut the door to the room before you open the window. Otherwise, you create a draft and the fire rushes up the stairs and out the window over the person trying to escape..