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Fire Safety
Fire safety begins with you. It is vital that we each do our part to reduce the risk in our homes, businesses, and community. To keep yourself and your family safe, learn the rules, and have a plan for what to do in case of an emergency.
For questions, please call: 434-970-3328
During a Fire
If your clothes catch on fire, you should stop, drop, and roll until the fire is extinguished.
Do Not Panic
- Get out of the house.
- Call 911
- Do not assume someone else already called.
Escape a Fire
- Check closed doors with the back of your hand to feel for heat before you open them.
- If the door is hot do not open it. Find a second way out, such as a window.
- If the door is cold slowly open it and ensure that fire and/or smoke are not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door and use another escape route.
- If you cannot escape through a window, hang a white sheet outside the window to alert firefighters to your presence.
- Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding or tape and cover vents to keep smoke out.
- If there is a phone in the room where you are trapped, call 911 and tell them exactly where you are.
- If clear, leave immediately and close the door behind you. Be prepared to crawl.
Once You Are Outside
- Once you are out of the building, stay out! Do not go back inside for any reason.
- If you are with a burn victim or are a burn victim yourself call 911. Cool and cover your burns until emergency units arrive.
- If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
- Tell the fire department if you know of anyone trapped in the building.
- Only enter when the fire department tells you it is safe to do so.
About Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. Each year, more than 20,000 Americans visit an emergency room due to carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon monoxide detector is your best protection against this deadly gas.
Having a carbon monoxide detector is recommended for all homes, especially homes that have propane or natural gas. At a minimum, it is recommended to place carbon monoxide detectors in common areas near bedrooms. Learn more about carbon monoxide at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Where Is Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide exists wherever fuel is burned, including:
- Cars or trucks
- Fireplaces
- Furnaces
- Gas ranges
- Grills
- Lanterns
- Small engines
- Stoves and ovens
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Weakness
What to Do
- Call 911.
- Get out of the building as quickly as possible.
- Alert others in the building to escape.
- Wait outside for emergency teams to arrive.
- Do not go back inside until the emergency team tells you it is safe.