Quick Safety Tips

Smoke Alarms

Be sure to have working smoke alarms in your home:

• Test all smoke alarms in your home monthly.
• Change batteries twice a year - changing batteries on daylight savings is an easy way to remember.
• Replace smoke alarm units every ten years.
• Smoke alarms should be placed in all bedrooms, hallways outside living areas, and common areas.
• Smoke Alarm disposal guidelines (PDF)

If your smoke alarm sounds, immediately exit your home or building and proceed to the designated meeting place. Once outside, stay outside! Call 9-1-1 from this safe location and inform them of the fire and any persons still inside. More information about smoke alarms.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas which can cause flu-like symptoms and even death in the event of extreme or prolonged exposure. That's why it's important to have at least one CO alarm installed in your home:

• CO is made from incomplete burning of materials such as gasoline, charcoal and wood. It also comes from kerosene or propane space heaters and furnaces, gas ovens or range tops, gas water heaters, gas clothes dryers, gasoline-powered engines, charcoal grills, and fireplaces/chimneys. 
• Install CO alarms (listed by an independent testing laboratory) in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. If bedrooms are spaced apart, each area will need a CO alarm.
• Like smoke alarms, CO alarms should be tested at least once a month.
• Change batteries or replace plug-in units according to manufacturer recommendations.
• CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms.

If your CO alarm sounds, immediately move outside to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1. Remain at the fresh air location until emergency personnel say it is okay to move back inside. If the trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries or other trouble indicators. More information about CO alarms.

Fire Extinguishers

For small or minor home fires, a fire extinguisher is a must-have tool that can prevent unnecessary loss of life or property. For fire extinguisher operation, remember PASS:

• P - Pull the pin. Pull out the pin that sits in the handle, allowing you to squeeze.
• A - Aim the nozzle. Aim the black nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
• S - Squeeze. Squeeze down on the handle to extract the extinguishing material.
• S - Sweep. Sweep the nozzle side-to-side across the entirety of the fire.
• Fire Extinguisher disposal guidelines (PDF)

A multipurpose (class ABC) fire extinguisher should be placed on each level of your home, along with one in the garage, where they can be easily accessible. Fire extinguishers are inexpensive and most home improvement stores and large retail stores carry them for purchase. More information about fire extinguishers.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on unresponsive persons can double or even triple a person's chance of survival after experiencing a cardiac emergency. If you come across an unresponsive person, remember these tips:

• Shake and shout: make sure the person is unconscious without a pulse. Call 911.
• If necessary, lay person flat onto floor - off of beds or chairs.
• Place hands in the center of the chest, one palm on top of the other hand.
• Push hard and fast continuously, about two compressions per second.
• Do not stop compressions until medical help arrives, or unless the person regains a pulse or starts breathing on their own.

Life Safety Park offers free CPR-AED classes once a month. Check out our calendar to view the latest course offerings and details. Coppell Citizens are also encouraged to download the PulsePoint app on their mobile devices. The free app empowers bystanders to help cardiac arrest victims. 

Emergency Preparedness

Severe weather and natural hazards can occur any time of the year in North Texas. Be ready for all of our areas' extremes:

• Be informed. Know the types of hazards the North Texas area can experience - thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter storms, and home fires are the most common.
• Get a kit. Create an emergency kit that has essential items you and your family would need in case of extended sheltering or evacuation.
• Make a plan. Know what to do when an emergency happens and how to get important information.
• Visit www.KnowWhat2Do.com for more great resources!

More Fire & Life Safety Resources

Below are additional safety tips sheets for common household or workplace hazards. Clicking each linked topic will take you to a separate page where you can download or print the tip sheet to keep!