Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Fire Prevention and Preparedness: The CNA’s Role November 2011

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness Preventing fires  Make a difference by being aware of hazards  The most common causes for fire-related deaths in a nursing home are: –Smoking –Medical equipment –Appliances, heaters  Follow your facility’s policy regarding smoking (for staff and residents)  Report signs of faulty equipment (frayed wires, burn odor)

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness Quick action saves lives That’s why having a fire emergency plan is so important Know:  Your facility’s fire emergency plan (and where the written plan is kept)  Your role in the fire emergency plan  How to notify the fire department (pull the alarm or call 9-1-1)

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness Your facility’s fire emergency plan This plan contains important information, such as:  The location of fire doors (closing these doors helps to contain smoke and heat)  Evacuation plans (where staff and residents will go in an emergency)  How to care for residents with special needs during the event  Location of supplies such as extra water, food, and medications  Who to notify about the emergency (on all shifts)

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness Calling or pulling the fire alarm  In case of possible fire, do not hesitate to activate the fire alarm or call  Remember: small fires can grow very quickly  TIME is of great importance when a fire occurs  The fire department can do their job better if they learn IMMEDIATELY of a possible problem

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness Fire Drills: Practicing the plan  Having a plan is Step 1  Knowing the plan is Step 2  Practicing the plan is Step 3 FIRE DRILLS should be – random – frequent – practiced on all shifts

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness In case of fire  Call out the code word – in some facilities it is “Code Red” or “Paging Dr. Red”  Activate the fire alarm or dial  Help residents move away from immediate danger  Close fire doors  Avoid shouting; stay calm

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness Fire extinguishers  First, call the code word and activate the fire alarm  Consider using a fire extinguisher ONLY: – If you have been trained on its use – You know it is the right type (A, B, C) for the fire – The fire is small and contained (such as in a wastebasket) – After you have FIRST activated the fire alarm or dialed REMEMBER: IF YOU’RE THINKING OF USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, ACTIVATE THE FIRE ALARM !

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2011Fire Prevention and Preparedness Quiz yourself  Where are the fire alarms located where you work?  How are fire alarms activated?  Where are fire extinguishers on your unit? – What type are they? Do you know how to operate one?  What is your facility’s code word for fire?  Where is the fire safety manual? (Review it regularly)  Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know the answers!