Safety Tips

Power Failure

• In the event of a power failure do not use open flames or a charcoal grill indoors.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, do not connect household items to the generator unless you have it wired professionally.
• Be sure the generator is kept in a well-ventilated area (outside the building).
• Do not put a gasoline-powered generator anywhere in your home.

Install and maintain smoke alarms

• Smoke alarms warn you of a fire in time to let you escape.
• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
• Always follow the manufacture's instructions and test at least once a week.
• Replace weak or "dead" batteries immediately and don't ever borrow them for other use!
• Remember, if your smoke alarms are hardwired they will not function during a power failure. Consider installing a backup battery-powered smoke alarm.

Plan and Practice to Escape

• If a fire breaks out in your home, you must get out fast.
• Plan two ways out of every room with your family -- just in case there is a fire and one of the exits is blocked by flames or smoke. Choose a meeting place outside where everyone will gather.
• Have the entire family practice the escape plan at least twice a year.
• If you live in a multi-story building, do not use elevators in the event of a fire.

Space heaters need space

• Keep portable and space heaters at least three feet from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding or anything that can cause a fire.
• Never leave heaters on when leaving the house or going to bed, and keep children well away from them.
• Be careful with smoking materials
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers in your home and put water on cigarette butts before throwing them in the trash.
• Before going to bed, check under and around sofa cushions for smoldering cigarettes.
• Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy.

Cook Safely

• Be alert when you cook, and keep children out of the way.
• Keep pot handles turned inward so that they won't be knocked over the edge of the stove.
• If cooking and oil catches fire, slide a closed fitting lid over the pan to smother the flames then turn the burner off. Never apply water to an oil fire.

Matches and lighters are tools for adults

• In the hands of a child, matches or lighters are extremely dangerous.
• Always store them where children cannot reach them.
• Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools for adults not toys for kids.

Use Electricity Safely

• If an appliance smokes or smells like it is burning unplug it immediately and have it repaired.
• Check all of your electrical cords and replace any that are damaged, cracked or frayed.
• If your use extension cords, do not overload or run them under rugs or carpets.
• Remember that fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fires. Do not tamper with fuse boxes or use fuses of improper amps/size.

Cool a Burn

• If someone gets burned, immediately run cool water over the wound for five to ten minutes to ease the pain.
• If the burn is blistered or charred, see a doctor immediately.
• Never remove clothing that is stuck to a burn.

Stop, Drop and Roll

• If your clothes catch on fire, DO NOT RUN!
• STOP where you are;
• DROP gently to the ground;
• Cover your face with your hands, to protect your face and lungs;
• ROLL over and over to smother the flames.

Crawl Low Under Smoke

• If you get caught in smoke, the cleanest air will be closest to the floor. Get down on your hands and knees, and crawl to the nearest, safe exit.

If you need additional information, please feel free to contact the City of Punta Gorda Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau at (941) 575-5542.

Punta Gorda Fire Department
1410 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Headquarters: (941) 575-5529
Fax: (941) 575-5565