Safety Resources
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Safety Resources
Safety Resources
Home |
Safety Resources

🔥 Safety Resources

At the Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company, your safety is our top priority. We are committed to helping our community prevent emergencies before they happen. The following resources provide important tips and information to help you keep your family, home, and neighborhood safe year-round.

🚨 Fire Safety at Home

  • Install Smoke Alarms: Place alarms on every level of your home and inside each bedroom. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
  • Create an Escape Plan: Know at least two ways out of every room and practice your fire drill with your family.
  • Stay in the Kitchen: Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of home fires. Never leave food unattended while cooking.
  • Use Heaters Safely: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn and always turn them off before leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Check Electrical Cords: Replace worn or damaged cords and avoid overloading outlets.

🔥 Burn Prevention

  • Keep hot liquids, irons, and other burn hazards out of reach of children.
  • Always test bath water before placing children in.
  • Never hold a child while drinking or carrying hot liquids.

🚗 Vehicle Safety

  • Carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your car.
  • Pull over and turn off your engine if you smell smoke or see flames.
  • In case of a crash, call 911 immediately — even for minor incidents involving fuel or electrical systems.
  • Never hold a child while drinking or carrying hot liquids.

🚗If You Become Stuck or Stalled❄️

🚗 If You Become Stuck or Stalled

  • Stay with your vehicle; it provides shelter and makes you easier to find.
  • Call for help (911 if life-threatening, roadside assistance otherwise).
  • BE SEEN! Turn on hazard lights, use your interior dome light.
  • Stay with your vehicle and avoid overexerting yourself.
  • Do not attempt to walk for help or dig your way out unless absolutely necessary.
  • Run the engine sparingly (about 10 minutes each hour) for heat. Avoid running your vehicle for long periods.
  • Check the exhaust pipe. Keep it clear of snow or ice to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Bundle up! Wear layers, hat, gloves, and use blankets if available.
  • Crack a window slightly for ventilation when engine is running.

🧊 Conserve & Protect

  • Ration fuel and phone battery.
  • Eat and drink small amounts if you have supplies
  • Avoid overexertion (pushing the car can worsen hypothermia).

🆘 Be Visible

  • Tie bright cloth to the antenna or door handle or place bright markers on your windows so responders can locate you in poor visibility.
  • Use flares or reflective markers if you have them.
  • Signal periodically, especially if you see other vehicles or responders.

❗ Do NOT

  • ❌ Leave your vehicle unless help is clearly visible nearby.
  • ❌ Run the engine continuously.
  • ❌ Let snow block the exhaust.

🚗 Your safety is the priority! Avoid travel, plan ahead, and stay informed. ❄️

🌪️ Severe Weather Preparedness

⏱️ Before Severe Weather

  • 📡 Monitor trusted weather sources (NOAA Weather Radio, local alerts)

  • 🔔 Sign up for local emergency notifications

  • 🏠 Identify safe shelter locations (home, work, school)

  • 🎒 Assemble an emergency kit (water, food, flashlight, batteries, medications)

  • 🔋 Charge phones, power banks, and medical devices

  • 🪑 Secure outdoor furniture and loose items

  • 📋 Review family or workplace emergency plans

⚠️ During Severe Weather

  • 📢 Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency officials

  • ⛑️ Take shelter immediately when warned

  • 🪟 Stay indoors and away from windows

  • 🚫 Avoid unnecessary travel

  • 🔦 Use flashlights instead of candles if power is lost

  • 📱 Conserve phone battery for emergency alerts

🚗 If You Must Travel

  • 🌦️ Check road and weather conditions before leaving

  • 🧰 Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle

  • 📍 Share your route and expected arrival time

  • ↩️ Turn around if conditions become unsafe

🛑 After Severe Weather

  • ⚡ Watch for downed power lines

  • 🏚️ Avoid damaged buildings and structures

  • 🌊 Stay out of flooded roads and standing water

  • 🔌 Use generators outdoors only and away from openings

  • 🤝 Check on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals

  • 📞 Report hazards or emergencies to local authorities

ℹ️ Stay Informed

  • 📰 Continue monitoring official updates

  • 🧭 Follow guidance from local emergency management

  • 🚧 Do not enter restricted areas until cleared

🔥 Open Burning & Outdoor Safety

  • Always check for local burn bans before burning leaves or debris.

  • Keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby when using fire pits or grills.

  • Never leave outdoor fires unattended, and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving.

🧯 Fire Extinguisher Basics

  • Know the PASS Method:
    Pull the pin – Aim at the base – Squeeze the handle – Sweep side to side.

  • Only use extinguishers on small, contained fires. If you’re unsure, get out and call 911.

🧒 Fire Safety for Kids

  • Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.

  • Show them how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll” if their clothes catch fire.

  • Keep matches and lighters locked away and out of reach.

🏠 Home Safety Checklist

🏠 Home Safety Checklist

✅ Smoke alarms working
✅ Fire extinguishers charged and accessible
✅ Clear exits and pathways
✅ House numbers visible for emergency responders
✅ Emergency plan practiced

📞 Need Help or Have Questions?

If you’d like a home fire safety visit, smoke alarm check, or information about our fire prevention programs, please contact us at:
📧 [email protected]

☎️ 410-438-3155

Together, we can keep Sudlersville safe!