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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | NOVEMBER 2024 | 11 anksgiving Fire Safety A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes. A residence can be engulfed in flames in five minutes. Learn About Fires Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames. Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin. Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Smoke Alarms • A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. • Replace batteries twice a year, unless you are using 10-year lithium batteries. • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 10 years or according to manufacturer's instructions. • Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake. • Audible alarms are available for visually impaired people and smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Before a Fire If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting your property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan Remember that every second counts in the event of a fire. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. Practice your home fire escape plan twice each year. Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include: • Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke. • Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. • Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed. • Teach children not to hide from firefighters. • If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways. Fire Safety Tips • Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates. • Sleep with your bedroom door closed. • Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department for assistance on proper use and maintenance. For more information, go to https://www.ready.gov/home-fires. Our Mission The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is designed to increase individual and community preparedness and self-reliance in the event of man-made or natural disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially recognized CERT as an important part of a community's disaster preparedness readiness. Four Seasons CERT continues to need your participation. Become a Street Captain or CERT Auxiliary. Step up. Be a part of the best CERT in the valley, come make a difference. For more information visit https://fscert.org/cert-volunteer Learn how to prepare at fscert.org. Plan. Prepare. Survive. Emergency Preparedness

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