Barrett and Associates partner with Georgia Arson Control

Are you and your family prepared in the event of a home fire? Do you have safety steps in place you can take to keep you, your family and your community safe in case of a fire? 

Agent Darrell Barrett of Barrett & Associates Agency, Inc. is partnering with the Georgia Arson Control Board to help prepare the citizens of Towns County in the event a home fire occurs by providing them with the necessary safety tips.

According to Barrett, “In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts and you and your family must always be prepared.”

The following tips are offered to protect your family and home from fire:

• Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least twice a year. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every level of a structure.
• Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home.
• Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured victims should be transported to professional medical help immediately. Stay out of the damaged building. Return only when fire authorities say it is safe.
• Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep.
• Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
• Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
• In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly! Store them where children can’t reach them, preferably in a locked area. Teach children that matches and lighters are “tools” and should only be used by adults.
• If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don’t overload extension cords. They should not be run under rugs.
• If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately!