UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 6, Page 6
October 10, 1991
Fire Prevention Week; Safety tips to save lives

     Hostile fires each year claim more than 5,000 lives and cause
over 30,000 permanent injuries and property damage in excess of $30
billion.
     This is Fire Prevention Week, an excellent time to educate
one's family on what you can do to prevent fires all year round. A
few of the things employees can do are read the University's
procedures on fire reporting and prevention, study the literature
from Housing and Residence Life on a fire in a residence hall,
attend a demonstration on how to extinguish a fire, add smoke
detectors in the home and contact the University Department of
Occupational Health and Safety to receive information on a variety
of fire prevention topics.
     These fire safety tips could save a life.

     *    Have an exit plan and practice it on a regular basis.
     *    Install smoke detectors.
     *    Post emergency numbers.
     *    Have a fire extinguisher available and have knowledge of
          its operation.
     *    Use approved containers for gasoline and other dangerous
          substances.
     *    Be aware of the nearest exit and how to reach it.
     *    Repair or replace damaged electrical equipment.
     *    Keep all heat-producing appliances away from combustibles
          and out of the reach of small children.
     *    Do not use an elevator in a fire emergency.
     *    Have heating equipment maintained on a regular basis.
     *    Buy flame-retardant clothing when possible.
     *    If clothing catches on fire, Stop, Drop and Roll.

     Fire deaths, injuries and loss of property can happen. The
Department of Occupational Health and Safety encourages the
University community to practice fire prevention at all times.
     Call the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at
451-8475 for more information on fire prevention.