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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Be sure your home is fire safe!
At a recent Elder Services staff meeting, Pittsfield Fire Department Inspector Thomas Lange gave a presentation about home fire safety, indicating that we should all have working smoke detectors on every floor. The batteries should be checked regularly and replaced every six months. Everyone should have a plan to escape safely and to practice it with our families or fellow tenants.
In addition, Lange offered these 10 Safety Tips to be shared in “Berkshire Senior”:
1. Create a home fire escape plan.
2. PRACTICE YOUR PLAN!!
3. If the smoke detector sounds, leave immediately to travel to a safe location
4. Check your door before you exit to see if it is too hot.
5. Normally smoke rises and poisons fall, so crawl on your hands and knees for the cleanest air. (About 18 inches off the ground)
6. If you can’t get out: close the door, go to the window and signal for help.
7. NEVER hide under beds or in closets!
8. Have a meeting place outside where everyone knows to gather.
9. Stay out! Do not go back into a burning building for anything.
10. Dial 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house or use the fire alarm emergency box.
In all cases, if you have questions about your plan, ask your local fire department. Lange announced the Free Smoke Alarm program that is available for Pittsfield seniors and young families.
Keep Safe
Free Smoke Alarms Available
The Pittsfield Fire Department, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the State Fire Marshall’s Office, is providing free smoke alarms, installation and educational materials to keep young families and elders safe from fires in their homes.
To see if you qualify for this Free Smoke Alarm Program, register at the Pittsfield Senior Center (413) 499-9346. There is a short questionnaire that must be completed prior to the installation of the smoke detectors by the Pittsfield Fire Department.
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