Question: Recently I heard the news that about 5,000 people die in fires a year, and 80 percent of these deaths occur in house fires. Fires kill more people per year in the United States than all the other natural disasters. Could you help me?
Answer: Don't worry. In fact, most fires can be avoidable and easily prevented. Here are some tips for preventing a fire in your own home.
◆Dispose of all cigarette butts (烟头). Never leave them out where babies or children can reach them. Keep ashtrays clean and safe by promptly disposing of the ash.
◆Avoid smoking in bed. In case you fall asleep on the couch while watching television, do not smoke while lying on the couch.
◆Keep all lighters safely out of reach of babies and children.
◆Do not overload electrical circuits, and check electrical appliances regularly for loose connections or damaged cords.
◆ These would include the kitchen, near the furnace and fireplace, and the garage. Examine the extinguishers (灭火器) yearly for pressure and expiration date (有效期).
◆Install smoke detectors. Make sure that there is a detector on every level of the house. Also, make sure that there is a smoke detector near every bedroom.
◆Install a rope ladder or fire escape in selected windows upstairs. Make sure that al family members know how to use the ladder.
◆Come up with an emergency escape plan.
A. However, I don't know how to prevent house fires.
B. Have a designated meeting area outside the home.
C. Have fire extinguishers in high-risk areas of your home.
D. Keep candles where they will not be accidentally knocked over.
E. Discuss it with the family and have everyone practice using the escape routes.
F. If you smoke, get into the habit of properly disposing of your butts immediately.
G. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year
