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City of Whitefish Fire Department also serving the Whitefish Fire Service Area 275 Flathead Avenue – PO Box 158 - Whitefish, Montana 59937 [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] FIRE SAFETY TIPS SMOKE ALARMS • Have a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area, inside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home. • Test smoke alarms and change the batteries at least once a year. Do not change the battery if you have a lithium battery. The alarm will let out a periodic “chirping” when it needs a new battery. • 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. • Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries. ESCAPE PLANNING • Develop a fire escape plan with the members of your household and practice often. • Know two ways to exit from every room of your home. • Make sure that safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home. • Crawl low, under smoke. • Consider sleeping with the door closed. This can help prevent the rapid spread of fire. • Feel closed doors. If hot, use another exit. • Place a cloth or blanket, moistened if possible, along the bottom of the door to reduce the amount of smoke entering the room. • Identify a place to meet outside in case of fire. Never re-enter a burning building. • Escape first. Then call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. ---PAGE BREAK--- FIRE SAFETY • Keep clothes, blankets, curtains and other combustibles at least three feet from portable heaters. • Place portable heaters where they will not tip over easily. • Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. • Clear the area around the hearth of debris, flammables and decorative materials. • Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire. • Keep clothes, towels and other combustibles away from stove burners. • Never leave cooking unattended. • Be sure your stove and small appliances are off before going to bed. • Check for frayed wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture. • Never overload electrical sockets. • Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children. • Never leave cigarettes unattended. • Never smoke in bed.