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Utah Fire Safety FAQ
The 2006 International Fire Code requires that smoke alarms be both hardwired into the household wiring and have a battery back-up. They must also be interconnected so that when one alarm activates, all of the alarms throughout the dwelling will sound an alarm. Residences built before the current code was issued are required to have at least battery powered, single-station smoke alarms, unless substantial remodeling is done that would expose areas where wiring could be installed to bring the residences up to current code.
For more information on making your home safe, please visit: http://www.firesafehome.org/essential-components/
(This information is provided by Ren Egbert-Unified Fire Authority Arson/Bomb Squad)
The leading cause of death in a fire is asphyxiation. Fire victims rarely see the flames. Fire consumes the oxygen in the air, thereby increasing the concentration of deadly carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Inhaling carbon monoxide causes a loss of consciousness or death within minutes.
(http://www.scemd.org/Library/DisasterMitigation/Fire/HousBldgFirFs.pdf)
Plan escape routes at home and at work. Have at least two ways out of every room. Make sure your windows are not nailed or painted shut. Be sure to practice the plan.
Make fire extinguishers available in your home and teach everyone how to use them.
In the event of a fire, try to get out as fast as possible. Do not stop to collect personal items.
I Have Fire Damage to My Property, Now What?
- Tape damp cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers, after experiencing fire damage, to capture any loose soot in the air.
- Remove pets to a clean and safe environment after smoke and fire damage.
- If heat is off in the winter, pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sinks and tub drains to prevent damage.
- Discard open food packages, or food exposed to heat. The food could be contaminated.
- Do not touch anything after experiencing fire damage. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork causing further damage.
- Do not attempt to wash any wallpapered or flat-painted walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces, without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures following fire damage, could compound the soot-residue problem.
- Do not use electrical appliances, computers, TV’s or stereos that have been close to fire damage or water damage before having them checked for malfunction.