Fire Prevention Week is this month and to bring you safety tips, we went straight to the experts. The SMSC’s Fire Marshal, Dominique Brewer, and Emergency Medical Services Education Manager, Malissa Radanke, teamed up to share these recommendations and safety tips to keep you and your family safe and prepared.
Fire Safety Checklist:
- Have a stocked and up-to-date first-aid kit in your home and car.
- Make sure everyone in your home knows two ways out of the house and where the family meeting spot is if there is a fire.
- Test your smoke and CO detectors monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.
- Check the lifetime of your smoke and CO detectors when changing batteries. Know whether it expires soon or has a lifetime guarantee.
- Know what your smoke alarm beeps or lights mean. Different sounds and light colors may mean different things. When in doubt, get out and call 911.
- Check your fire extinguishers annually. Don’t just set it and forget it.
- Place your fire extinguishers near an exit, so you don’t get trapped behind fire getting an extinguisher.
- Remember: never leave your stove unattended while cooking.
Severe Weather Happens! Here’s how you should prepare:
- Keep an emergency kit stocked with the essentials wherever you will go during severe weather: bottled water, non-perishable food, a change of clothes, and medications for everyone in the household (including pets). Also, keep a battery-operated flashlight, radio (weather or AM/FM style), and a phone charger that runs on battery or solar power.
- Discuss with your kids and family members where your safety spot is within your home if you need to take shelter in the case of severe weather, like a tornado. Keep a few books and toys in that shelter for your children, in addition to the items above.
- Know the signs of severe weather and watch the local weather forecast. Make sure you and your family members know when and where to seek shelter when away from home, as well.
For more safety tips, visit Mdewakanton Public Safety’s table at the Wellness & Benefits Expo October 9 and 10 at Mystic Lake Center!
Resources:
- Get a flu shot, learn about the SMSC benefits plans, and enter prize drawings at the Wellness & Benefits Expo – Wednesday October 9 from 8am-2pm and Thursday October 10 from 11am-5pm in the Waconia Ballroom at Mystic Lake Center.
