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Safety

School Trips

Would you like to set up a school trip to a fire station or a visit to your school by a fire truck? Contact our Fire Prevention office at 873-6391 (Monday - Friday between 8am - 4:30pm). Give them your name, school name, grade and number of children. They will set up a date and time with you for the visits. Remember all classes subject to change due to emergency calls.

• Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Have an emergency escape plan. Plan two escapes from each bedroom in case of a fire. PRACTICE THE PLAN!
• Make sure your address is visible from the street.
• Don’t park in front of fire hydrants and don’t park in fire lanes.
• Post the 9-1-1 number on the phone.
• If you smoke, DO NOT smoke in bed.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles, decorative lights and electrical decorations out of the reach of children.
• Place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• Keep lights or candles away from anything that could easily catch fire.
• Check for worn or frayed extension cords or other electrical cords.
• Extension cords should not run under rugs and carpets or be looped over nails or other sharp objects that could cause them to fray.
• Lamp and light fixtures should be used with bulbs with wattage at or below maximum prescribed by the manufacturer.
• Allow plenty of air space around the TV and stereo to prevent overheating.
• Don't place or use any appliances near water.
• Don't store things near the furnace or heater.
• Check for overloaded outlets or extension cords.
• Electrical sockets should be covered with a child-proof fitting.

If you are in a building with smoke, get on your hands and knees and use the walls of the building to help you. Place one shoulder against the wall and crawl to the closest exit. When you come to a door, don't open it before checking for heat. Place the back of your hand against the door and if it is hot, DON’T OPEN IT! Turn around and seek another exit. If it is not hot, slowly open it and continue to crawl until you get outside. By doing this your chances of getting lost in the smoke will be reduced. The best plan is to have a pre-arranged meeting place outside the house where everyone should meet and be accounted for. After you are out – STAY OUT! Do not go back in for ANY reason. Call 9 – 1 – 1. Always give the dispatcher as much accurate information as you can.

If your clothes catch on fire:

• Stop
• Drop to the ground
• Cover your face with your hands to protect it from the flames.
• Roll over and over to smother the fire. Don't stop until the flames have been extinguished.
• After the fire is out, cool the burn with room temperature water.
• DO NOT USE ICE!
• Then call 9 - 1 - 1

Car Fires:

• Stop & pull to the side of the road, so everyone can get out of the vehicle safely.
• Turn off the ignition to shut off the electric current & the flow of the gasoline.
• Put the car in park (set the emergency brake), so it does not move after you are out.
• Keep the hood closed (more oxygen = bigger fire)
• Get everyone out of the vehicle and stay together.
• Make sure everyone stays at least 100 feet away.
• Call 9-1-1
• Never attempt to fight a vehicle fire yourself.

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm twice a year, or as soon as the alarm "chirps," warning that the battery is low. HINT: change your clocks – change your batteries.
• Never "borrow" a battery from a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms can't warn you of fire if their batteries are missing or have been disconnected.
• Do not disable smoke alarms even temporarily – you may forget to replace the battery.
• Regularly dusting your smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions can help keep it working properly.
• Smoke alarms do not last forever. Replace your smoke alarms once every 10 years.
• Have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and outside bedrooms.
• Make sure that everyone in your home can identify and awaken to the sound of the alarm.
• Install smoke alarms away from kitchens and bathrooms, where cooking fumes and steam can cause the alarm to sound.
• Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from the corners.
• When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Plan regular fire drills to ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.

You should actually call 911 anytime you have to use an extinguisher. The fire might appear to be out, but heat can often be trapped in places you can’t see and can cause the fire to rekindle. If you call 911 for a fire you extinguished, make sure you advise the dispatcher that the fire is out (thanks to your extinguisher). If you have been alerted of the fire by a smoke detector or fire alarm, chances are this fire is already too big to handle with your extinguisher. Make sure all occupants are out of the house and call 911. Property can be replaced, people cannot.

If, you decide that you can safely fight the fire with your extinguisher, you should use the same acronym used by professional firefighters to remember what to do.
PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

• Pull the pin at the top of the cylinder.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• Sweep the contents from side to side at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. It is also the leading cause of fire injuries. More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 20,000 are injured. Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. Many of them might be alive today if they only had the information they needed to avoid such a disaster. Deaths due to fires caused by cooking are particularly preventable. Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove or have someone else watch what is cooking. A serious fire can start in just seconds. You should always clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite. If a fire breaks out while cooking, turn off the heat & cover the pan. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Click here to watch a safety video of a grease fire.

• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• Keep your stove and oven clean, to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Keep the kitchen off limits to young children.
• When cooking, do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry.
• Cook on the back burners when possible and turn pot handles in so they don’t extend over the edge of the stove.
• Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove or have someone else watch what is cooking.
• Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. Use extra caution when preparing deep-fried foods.
• Don't store things over the stove. People can get burned while reaching.
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
• Check to see if curtains or towel racks are close to the stove.
• Be sure microwave ovens have room to "breathe," all the vents are cleared of obstructions.

Gas & Charcoal Grills

• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
• Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.
• Always keep propane gas containers upright.
• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
• Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
• Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
• Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers, even if ventilation is provided.
• Charcoal produces Carbon Monoxide fumes and should not be stored indoors with freshly used coals.

Deep Fryers

• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer. If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages. Fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. Many units easily tip over, spilling the five gallons of hot oil within the cooking pot.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls and if you don't watch the fryer carefully, the unit has the potential to overheat the oil until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed. Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Thunder Storms

• Avoid wide, open areas such as fields, but don’t huddle with others. Spread out at least 15 feet apart.
• Don’t stand near trees or tall poles. Get at least 7 feet away from tall objects.
• If you are in a lightning strike zone, get to the lowest point of ground you can, and kneel or squat to minimize your contact points with the ground. Do not lie flat. This will make you a bigger target.
• Remove steel-toed boots or shoes with metal spikes.
• Avoid metal objects such as lawn mowers, pipes, golf carts and clubs.
• Lighting can move through a home’s plumbing, attracted to the metal or water. Avoid using sinks and showers.
• If you’re out on the water, get to land. If you’re in a pool, get out.
• Never swim when thunder or lightning is present.
• Electrical wiring attracts lightning. Avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies.
• Disconnect computers, TV’s and other delicate electronic equipment. Consider attaching surge protectors to such equipment.
• Stay away from windows during strong winds. Tree limbs and other wind-borne objects can be a hazard.
• Rain reduces traction and causes tires to hydroplane. Slow your speed accordingly.
• Water on roads may be deeper than it looks. Watch for vehicles traveling too fast. They can throw up blinding sheets of water.
• Pay attention to hazard signs and roadblocks. Ignoring them threatens life and property, and can result in enforcement action by police.

Downed Power Lines

• Stay at least 100 feet away.
• If the power line has fallen on your car while you’re in it, don’t touch anything metal in the car, and stay inside until professional help arrives.
• Never try to help someone trapped by a power line. You endanger your own safety. Instead, call 911 immediately.

• Learn to swim.
• Teach children to swim.
• Never swim alone.
• Never allow children to be near a pool or any water source alone.
• Never swim while under the influence of alcohol or medications.
• Never swim when thunder or lightning is present.
• Only swim in approved areas.
• Wear a Coast Guard approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, skiing or any other water sports. Air filled devices (inner tubes) are NOT approved PFDs.
• Check the depth of the water with the lifeguard (if avalible) before jumping in.
• Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water.
• Know where your children are at all times.
• Always have a designated child watcher. A responsible adult should always watch children during all activities in or near water.
• Don’t assume that children who know how to swim don’t need supervision. Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter what age or swimming ability.
• Don’t assume that someone is watching. Just because there are adults present doesn’t mean they are watching the swimmers. Adults socializing might not even notice that a child is in trouble until it’s too late.
• Floaties don’t take the place of supervision. There is NO substitute for adult supervision.
• If you leave the pool area, take the children with you.
• Most child drowning incidents occur when an adult “just walked away for a few seconds.”
• Have life-saving devices near the pool and know how to use it. A pole, rope and personal flotation device are recommended.
• Do not allow children to play around the pool.
• Remove all toys from the pool and deck area after every use so that children are not attracted to them and tempted to gain access to the pool.
• Just having a pool on your property is a potential drowning hazard, even when there are no swimming activities.
• Use an approved barrier to separate the pool from the house.
• Keep large objects such as tables, chairs, toys, and ladders away from pool fences.
• Post the 9-1-1 number on the phone.
• Learn CPR and make sure that everyone in your home know what to do in case of a pool emergency. Every second counts when it comes to drowning.

• When purchasing equipment, select ones that have the mark of an independent testing laboratory.
• Follow manufacturer's recommendations for the proper size heater and for its installation, maintenance and use. Have it professionally installed, if possible.
• If the pilot light of your heater should go out, allow five minutes or more for the gas to go away before trying again.
• Do not allow gas to accumulate. Light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot. This avoids the risk of a flashback, which could occur if you allow gas to accumulate before you are ready to light the pilot.
• IF YOU SMELL GAS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT THE APPLIANCE. Turn off all controls and open a window or door. Leave the area, and then call a gas service person. DO NOT touch any electrical surfaces.
• Turn off the heater, ventilate the room and get into the fresh air if you feel other than normal, (headache, nausea, fuzzy vision) remember Carbon Monoxide does not have a odor and you may become unconscious before you realize there is a problem.
• Turn off the heater if the burner flame looks strange, (yellow flames, unsteady flames, or smoky flames)
• Never use a vented-type heater without proper venting and flue (chimney).
• Never sleep in a room where a gas heater is burning.
• Do not put drying clothing or combustibles over heaters.
• Don't store things near the furnace or heater.
• Do not operate a gas heater in a completely 'tight' room. The heater needs a source of fresh air to operate safely and efficiently. 'Crack' a window, if needed.

Space Heaters

• All types must be kept at least 36 inches from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people.
• Space heaters must not be left operating when you are not in the room, or when you go to sleep.
• Children should be supervised at all times when space heaters are in use.
• Never use a heater that is in disrepair. Always keep your heater in proper operating condition.
• Check for fraying or splitting wires, or overheating. Have problems repaired by a professional before operating the space heater.
• Make sure the venting system is open--a blocked vent can cause your space heater to exhaust Carbon Monoxide into your living space.

Fireplace Safety

• Check and clean the fireplace and chimney every year. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if not removed through cleaning.
• Make sure the fire you build “fits” your fireplace. Do not overload it with too many logs.
• Make sure the flu is open while in use.
• Always use a fireplace screen.
• NEVER use gasoline, lighter fluid or kerosene to start a fire.
• NEVER leave a fire unattended. Make sure it is out before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Burn only wood. Never burn paper or pine boughs which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or a neighboring home. Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
• If decorating fireplace with Christmas stockings or other season decorations, DON'T BURN FIRES IN IT!

Holiday Safety

Christmas trees are a part of the traditional holiday celebration. If not handled properly, they can cause an extremely dangerous fire threat. A dried out tree can catch fire and burn a living room in just seconds. Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually. One in every 22 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death. These statistics include both real and artificial trees.

Click here to watch a video of a Christmas tree fire.

• When buying a live tree, look for one that is not shedding needles. If branches snap when bent, the tree is already too dry.
• Keep trees watered. A mixture of lemon-lime soda and water will keep a tree moist longer.
• Keep trees away from all heat sources including fireplaces, and room heaters.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”
• Secure the tree in the stand to keep it from toppling.
• When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
• Never use candles on a Christmas tree.
• Never leave holiday lights or candles unattended.
• Keep lights or candles away from anything that could easily catch fire.
• Place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• Never block exits with decorations
• Extension cords should not run under rugs and carpets or be looped over nails or other sharp objects that could cause them to fray.
• Inspect all lights and cords before using them. Discard all lights with cracked or broken wiring.
• Use only UL or FM approved lights and never overload circuits
• Holly and mistletoe are poisonous. Keep them away from children.
• Keep wrapping paper and ribbons away from heat sources. This includes candles, lights, stoves and heaters.
• Wrapping paper and ribbon should be thrown away in trash containers, not fireplaces. Burning paper and ribbon could cause a chimney fire.
• Put decorations high enough on the tree so your child or pet can’t reach them. Children can choke or cut themselves on ornaments, ornament hangers or tinsel and can be poisoned by older painted ornaments that contain lead.
• Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.

• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer. If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages. Fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. Many units easily tip over, spilling the five gallons of hot oil within the cooking pot.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls and if you don't watch the fryer carefully, the unit has the potential to overheat the oil until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed. Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

• Cats & kittens can break their limbs by falling out of Christmas trees.
• Chewing on electrical wires can cause serious mouth burns as well as severe problems from electric shock.
• Breakable ornaments and "angel hair" - which is actually spun glass - can cause severe cuts in the mouth and throat, which may require surgery.
• Poinsettias and the berries of holly & mistletoe are toxic to pets.
• String used to secure roasted turkey or ham can be very tempting to pets. If eaten, the string may cause serious problems requiring surgery. Be sure all strings & netting are disposed of properly.
• Turkey & chicken bones should never be given to pets - they splinter easily and can cause choking.
• Chocolate is toxic to pets, even in small amounts.
• Pets are not "party animals" - giving alcohol to helpless creatures to get a laugh is cruel, and it can result in serious problems.
• Do not give aspirin, Tylenol or any painkillers to a pet unless under the advice of a vet - they can be lethal.

MARDI GRAS SAFETY

• Research the routes and traditions of parades. Some parades are suitable for adult audiences only. Be sure that you are in a safe neighborhood for viewing the parades.
• Watch the weather report and dress children accordingly. They can suffer from exposure more quickly than adults.
• Take a blanket for them to sit on. Once the parade starts, the blanket can be used to wrap them in if the weather is cold or damp.
• Face paint is better than masks, which can obscure a child's vision.
• Teach your children their name and phone number.
• Mark your children’s clothes on the inside with name, address and phone number.
• Go to the same area to view parades if possible and teach your child a landmark to meet if separated.
• Find a place to make a home base, away from the throngs of parade-watchers and if possible at the home of a friend or relative who lives along or near the parade route, or even back at the car. Crowds can be overwhelming to children, and they need a place to rest periodically.
• Children stay calm if lost, and go to a uniformed police officer.
• Teach your child not to be afraid of police officers and if possible take them up to one prior to the parade.
• If no police officer is in your area teach your child to go to another parent with children for help.
• Make sure your children know to stay with you and away from strangers.
• If a stranger tries to talk to you, “You’re not my Parent”, and get away.
• Be safety-conscious.
• Never allow children in the street, try to find an area with barricades and stand behind them.
• Don’t get too close to floats. Floats cannot stop on a dime and accidents have occurred.
• Do NOT run into the street between floats for a trinket!
• Never follow behind floats, bands, etc.
• Never run after throws.
• Always watch what your children catch, especially toddlers and infants who can choke on broken beads and trinkets.
• Never eat the candy that is thrown, before an adult checks it.
• Don’t put your hands on the ground.
• Don’t fight over throws.
• Avoid putting people on your shoulders. Doing so can put both you and your child in danger. Crowds can move unexpectedly, making it easy for the child to be knocked over or for you to lose your balance and trip.
• Be alert to aggressive float riders, who in the process of tossing throws may inadvertently strike a child, particularly one on a ladder.
• Never throw anything at the riders.
• Do not double-park or park in driveways, on neutral grounds (medians), in front of fire hydrants, within 15 feet of curb corners! Your car will get towed away.
• Avoid alcohol consumption. It impairs your judgment and limits your ability to care for your children.
• The drinking age is 21 and it is enforced.

Practice ladder safety!

Ladders are popular and a great way for a good view....but if you bring a ladder, it has to be behind a barricade or as far away from the street as the ladder's height in the event the ladder is knocked over. Many people have built seats on the top of the ladder so their children will have a great view! Parents should stand on the backs of ladders to protect children from fast-flying objects and anchor the ladder. If you put your children in a ladder, use one with a seat and a bar in the front and make sure it is standing on level ground a safe distance from the curb. Children under 2 should not be placed on ladders because it could scare them. Try not to place your ladder too close to people with nets or other bead-catching paraphernalia.

Fireworks are illegal in Houma and Terrebonne Parish.

If you are travelling to an area where fireworks are legal, here are some things to remember.

• Know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Use outdoors only.
• Always wear eye protection and never leave any part of your body over the firework.
• Have an adult present for all fireworks activities.
• NEVER give fireworks to small children. Fireworks are not toys.
• Sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly.
• Always have water handy. Use both a garden hose and a bucket.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework. Wait about 20 minutes and then put it in a bucket of water.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks. Homemade fireworks are deadly. Leave the making of fireworks to the experts.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water before disposing of them in your trashcan.
• Stay away from anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use.
• M-80s are not fireworks, they are federally banned explosives. If you know anyone selling such devices, contact the police department.

• When shopping for costumes and accessories, look for those with a label indicating that they are flame resistant.
• Get costumes that are bright and reflective. Also, add reflective tape to Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Make sure that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Masks can limit or block eyesight. You may want to consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
• Write identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire.
• Don’t simulate knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible enough to prevent injury.
• Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.
• Never block exits with decorations
• Use only battery powered lanterns in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
• Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will be walking.
• Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. Stay in a group.
• Plan a route with your children and a specific time when you’ll return home. Then, leave a copy of the plan with a family member in case of an emergency.
• Give flashlights with fresh batteries to all children and their escorts, along with coins for non-emergency phone calls. By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
• Make sure your children know how call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• Always walk. Never run across a street and only cross as a group.
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, because some drivers may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.
• No treats should be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult.
• Examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Report any suspicious or unlawful activity to Law Enforcement immediately.
• Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.