Home Safety
Home safety is a critical part of keeping your family and home secure. Here are 14 common questions about home safety in Milwaukee, along with their answers to help you stay informed and safe.
1. What causes most accidental home deaths in Milwaukee?
Falls are the number one cause of accidental death in Milwaukee. In fact, there are more fall-related deaths than any other cause, including traffic crashes.
2. Are most fatal falls:
- A. Off stairways?
- B. Off ladders?
- C. On level surfaces?
Answer: Most fatal falls occur on level surfaces. This is not surprising since we spend much of our time on these surfaces.
3. Does the law say every residence in Milwaukee must have a smoke detector?
Yes! The law requires smoke detectors in every residence in Milwaukee, including on every level of the home and in the basement.
4. Are renters responsible for making sure smoke detectors are installed?
While owners are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke detectors, renters are responsible for notifying the owner if there’s an issue with the smoke detector. This should be done in writing.
5. The Milwaukee Fire Department phone number is:
- A. 9-1-1?
- B. Under Fire, Yellow Pages?
- C. Inside Cover, Yellow Pages?
Answer: The emergency number for the Milwaukee Fire Department is 9-1-1, which can also be found in the Yellow Pages, and on the inside cover.
6. What’s the best place to install smoke detectors in one’s home?
The best place for smoke detectors is in hallways near bedrooms, where smoke could travel while you’re sleeping. For more information, you can contact Neighborhood Services at 286-2268.
7. An ABC fire extinguisher can be used on small:
- A. Electrical Fires?
- B. Paper or wood fires?
- C. Grease or oil fires?
Answer: ABC fire extinguishers are effective on small electrical, paper, wood, and grease/oil fires. However, for large fires, evacuate and call the fire department immediately.
8. How can you avoid child poisoning?
- A. Use childproof containers?
- B. Tell children about dangers?
- C. Store poisons out of reach?
Answer: The most effective method is storing poisons, cleaning supplies, and medications out of reach of children.
9. Deadly carbon monoxide gas can come from:
- A. Bad stove venting?
- B. Faulty auto exhaust?
- C. Smoke from a house fire?
Answer: Carbon monoxide can come from sources like bad stove venting, faulty auto exhaust, or house fires. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get the person to fresh air immediately.
10. Children treated at burn centers have often suffered from:
- A. Flames in housefires?
- B. Electrical shocks?
- C. Scalds from hot liquids?
Answer: Many children treated at burn centers have suffered from scalds due to hot liquids. It’s important to keep water heater temperatures at 120°F and never leave children unsupervised near hot liquids.
11. To avoid using the Heimlich Maneuver:
- A. Take small mouthfuls?
- B. Use fire escapes?
- C. Spread sand on floors?
Answer: To avoid the Heimlich Maneuver, simply take small mouthfuls of food and chew thoroughly to prevent choking.
12. Prevent children from starting house fires by:
- A. Keeping matches away?
- B. Spanking kids who do?
- C. Speaking to them firmly?
Answer: The best way to prevent children from starting fires is to keep matches and lighters out of their reach. Scolding or spanking is not effective, and adult negligence in using smoking materials is a major cause of home fires.
13. That mean-faced guy who warns against poisons is:
- A. Mack McNasty?
- B. Mr. Yuk?
- C. Jack in the Stinkpot?
Answer: The face you should be watching for is Mr. Yuk. Mr. Yuk stickers are used to help identify poisonous substances. The Poison Control Center can provide you with these stickers.
14. If oil in a pan flares up in flames:
- A. Smother the fire, as with a pan cover?
- B. Rush the pan outdoors?
- C. Pour water on it?
Answer: If a pan catches fire, the safest action is to smother the flames by covering the pan to cut off the oxygen supply. Pouring water on an oil fire will spread the flames. In case of a large fire, evacuate and call the fire department immediately.
By following these simple tips and keeping informed, you can protect your home, loved ones, and yourself from potential hazards.