As the fire season is already underway, the Clairemont Town Council's Public Safety Awareness Committee would like to remind you of the following fire prevention and safety preparedness steps. Although there are extensive resources relating to fire prevention, our goal is to highlight several focus points for our neighborhoods.

In Home Fire Safety Tips

General:

• Furnace, Kerosene Heaters, Wood Stoves, and Fireplaces should be inspected for damage, safety control triggers, emergency shutoffs, and thermostats are operational.

• It is not recommended to use any type of flammable liquid or flame accelerator to start an indoor fire.

• Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors are operational.

• Develop an Emergency plan and Fire Escape Plan and practice it. Be sure to establish two central meeting places one should be near the home and two should be a few blocks away at a park, building or business.

• Establish a central communication point such as an out of the area relative. This assists in the event family members are separated.

• Maintain a 30ft minimum distance defensible space around your home by reducing vegetation and tree build up.

• Get an ABC rated fire extinguisher.

Remember the word PASS when using a fire extinguisher:

P - Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.

A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

• Do not block exits.