Fires can be devastating since they can move very quickly and cause a lot of damage in a short period of time. Fire is one of the most destructive elements but, unlike other elements, fire can be controlled. Fires are preventable and when you educate yourself on fire safety, you can be prepared to take action to extinguish a fire once it has started. 

Having a fire safety and prevention plan in place is essential to keeping you and others safe. 

Fire Prevention: 

• Identify and remove fire hazards. Keep flammable items away from open flames and heat sources. 
• Avoid leaving open flames unattended and be cautious about smoking in the house, especially in bed. 
• Teach children that they should not touch or play with fire, matches, and lighters. Matches and lighters should be kept in a secure spot and out of reach of children. 
• Regularly inspect electrical cords for fraying or damage. Avoid covering up a cord with a rug or overloading outlets. If equipment sparks, smokes, or emits an odor, replace it.
• Ensure the lint trap on dryer is cleaned out regularly. A build up in vents can be a fire hazard. 
• Keep clutter away from doorways and windows. You do not want to create obstacles for yourself when trying to get out of your home quickly. 
• Ensure you have operating smoke alarms on each level of your home and in sleeping areas. Remember to test alarms regularly to ensure batteries are working and replace older units when necessary. 
• Develop and practice your fire safety plan. You may have as little as two minutes to get out of your home safely if a fire breaks out so practice your exit strategy and know where you will safely meet once outside. 
• Learn how to use fire extinguishers and make sure you keep them in areas of your home that are at a heightened risk and where they are easily accessible in the event of a fire; such as a kitchen and on each level of your home.

Fire Safety:

The most important thing to remember if a fire breaks out is to remain calm. You will want to remove anyone who is in immediate danger and focus on getting them to safety. You will want to call 911 to report the location and extent of the fire. It is important to help contain the fire by closing windows as well as interior and exterior doors. If you have to open a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the door and knob to make sure it is cool to the touch before opening. Evacuate immediately and only try to extinguish the fire if you are not in immediate danger.

Fire is a chain reaction that is powered by oxygen, heat, and fuel. By removing one of these elements, the fire will no longer be able to burn. This is where tools like a fire extinguisher comes in. There are several types of fire extinguishers and the type you should use depends on the type of fire. It is important to learn which extinguisher to use in case of a fire emergency in your home. 

Once you identify the type of fire extinguisher to use, you should follow the P.A.S.S. procedure to extinguish a fire:

• Pull the safety pin out of the handle
• Aim the extinguisher hose at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the trigger slowly to release the contents of the extinguisher
• Sweep the hose from side to side at the base of the fire until it is extinguished

At Wesley Enhanced Living, it is mandatory for our employees to complete annual Fire Safety compliance training and to participate in fire drills several times a year to be prepared in the event of a fire. Our priority is the safety of our residents and employees and we take steps to ensure everyone is aware of our fire safety plan. 

If you want to make a compelling difference in the lives of others, are enthusiastic about life-long learning, and are seeking employment where your strengths will be valued, then please learn more about Wesley Enhanced Living’s career opportunities.