1. The client/caregiver can list measures to promote fire safety.
   1. Measures to protect home from fires
      1. Keep electrical appliances and cords in good condition.
      2. Do not overload outlets or extension cords.
      3. Keep the correct wattage light bulbs in light fixtures.
      4. Avoid smoking in bed or when sleepy.
      5. Have chimneys cleaned and inspected yearly.
      6. Install a smoke detector on each floor, and check batteries.
      7. Make sure that lamps and night lights are not touching bedspreads, drapes, or other fabrics.
      8. Use electric blankets with caution.
      9. Never leave candles burning unattended.
      10. Put doors and screens on fireplaces.
      11. Use precautions with wood-burning stoves.
      12. Never place a space heater too close to a bed, especially a child’s bed.
      13. Keep newspapers, magazines, curtains, and bedding away from space heaters, radiators, and fireplaces. Heaters should be at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
      14. Keep lighters and matches away from children.
      15. Turn off appliances before leaving the home (i.e., iron, oven, and curling iron).
      16. Store flammable substances in a well-ventilated area.
2. The client/caregiver can explain the use of a fire extinguisher.
   1. The National Fire Protection Agency suggests the following instruction called PASS:
      1. Pull the pin. Release the lock with the nozzle pointing away from you.
      2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
      3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
      4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
   2. Check the fire extinguisher regularly to make sure that it is functioning.
3. The client/caregiver can list measures to plan an escape route in case of fire.
   1. Plan for two escape routes in case one is blocked by fire.
   2. Make sure that windows in all rooms are easy to open.
   3. If living in an apartment, know where stairways and escape routes are.
   4. If living in a two-story house or apartment, have a fire-safe approved ladder to use in case of fire.
   5. Provide babysitters, cleaning personnel, and so forth know the escape routes and plans.
4. The client/caregiver can list measures to perform in case of a fire emergency.
   1. Evacuate. Call 911 if possible.
   2. Feel a door (not the doorknob) before opening it.
   3. Keep low to the floor if smoke is in the building.
   4. Use stairs—never elevators.
   5. Cover mouth and nose with a moist towel or clothing to keep out fumes.
   6. Never stop to take personal items. Never go back into a burning building.
   7. Stop, drop and roll to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire.

Resources

Local fire company

United States Fire Administration
www.usfa.dhs.gov

National Fire Protection Agency
www.nfpa.org

References

Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2006). Clinical nursing skills & technique. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.
Taylor, C., Lillis, C., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing . Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.