District Issues Protective Actions for Urban Fires Urban Fires consist of uncontrolled burning in developed areas. Such events can produce severe injuries, cause deaths and inflict serious financial loss to the community. In general, you should take the following precautions: DO NOT leave lit candles unattended. Monitor the stove when cooking. Keep matches and lighters away from children. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home. Check the smoke alarm once a month. Replace all smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. Have a fire extinguisher in your home and know where the extinguisher is located at your workplace. Make sure the fire extinguisher is up-to-date and make sure you know how to properly operate the extinguisher. Have several escape routes planned from your home and your workplace. If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are. If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL. If the door is cool leave quickly, close door behind you and crawl to an exit. Always use stairs during a fire—NEVER use the elevator. Once you are out, stay out. DO NOT enter a fire-damaged building until authorities say it’s okay. Check for signs of smoke or heat in case the fire isn’t totally out. Have an electrician check your household wiring before you turn the power back on and DO NOT try to reconnect any utilities yourself.