Smoke Alarms and Sprinklers
Cooking
Is the American Red Cross responding to more or less fires today than it was 6 years ago?
More.
(the American Red Cross is responding to 10% more home fires today than it was 6 years ago)
T/F If I have a fire extinguisher in my home, I can use it with no training
False! Using a fire extinguisher on even small fires takes practice and quick thinking
If a fire occurs in your home and you have safely gotten outside, what is the #1 thing you should NOT do?
Go back inside for anything or anyone.
If a fire were to break out in a room on campus, you should do what when leaving the room?
Shut the door, most doors are fire rated and will help contain the fire
How often are you supposed to test your smoke alarm?
once a month
How often do fire crews in the United States respond to calls?
Every 23 seconds
T/F The number of home fires peak in July.
False! December and January.
(home fires increase during the fall and winter)
What is the odorless, colorless gas that is produced when fuel (like gasoline or propane) is burned in equipment/appliances?
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
If you choose to use a space heater, where’s the safest place to plug it in?
Directly into the wall.
(NEVER use extension cords, power strips, or surge protectors)
(space heaters are not allowed for use on campus dorms)
How does an automatic sprinkler system activate?
Heat melts a fuse or glass bulb that triggers it to start
On which days of the week do home fires peak?
Saturday and Sunday.
(with the peak time being between 6:00 and 7:00 PM)
T/F Putting a wet towel under a closed door can help slow smoke out of a room.
True!
What is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries?
Cooking fires
What was the cause of the fire in 2017 in the Bowen Science Building?
An idle electrical extension cord.
(caused $1.5 million in structure and water damage)
At what temperature do many residential sprinkler heads activate?
About 135-165°F
If a fire were to start in your home, on average, how long would you have to escape?
2 minutes
(during a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.)
False! Flour is flammable
How long can it take for smoke to make someone unconscious?
less than 3 mins
In buildings with sprinkler systems on campus, how far away from the sprinkler heads do furniture/materials need to be?
18 inches.
(when sprinklers are activated, a full spray pattern is needed to effectively control a fire)
In 1902, what did George Andrew Darby use to create the first temperature-regulated fire alarm? Hint: It melted, causing metal plates to collide and make a sound.
Butter
How many fires do local fire departments respond to annually in the United States?
1.4 million
T/F You should keep windows closed if there is a fire inside your home.
True! Opening the windows can continue to feed the fire with oxygen.
What is the leading cause of death in fire incidents rather than the flames themselves
smoke
What is the campus safety phone number? (nonemergency)
319-335-5022