Living In USA

There are some simple precautions that will help prevent fires. Do not burn trash on your own. Most populated areas of the country have laws that forbid trash burning by individuals. Trash is placed in cans or strong plastic bags for pickup by the garbage collectors. In apartment houses, follow the trash instructions for the building.

Most house fires are caused by burning fat, by defective electrical wiring, or by cigarettes. Never leave your home — even for a minute — while anything is cooking. All homes should have a small foam fire extinguisher near the stove; these are good for either fat or electrical fires. You can buy small portable ones at most hardware stores. Be sure to check the date before you buy — they deteriorate with age. Also, keep a box or two of baking soda handy. It quickly smothers grease or oil flames. Smoke alarms are required by law in most places. They are inexpensive, are easily installed, and are good warnings, especially at night. They are also available in most hardware stores.

As mentioned earlier, in most communities in the United States, the telephone number to call in case of an emergency is 9-1-1. This was mandated by federal law to be completed by late 2003, but in a few communities regular telephone numbers (for fire, police, and ambulance services) are still used and will be listed in a prominent place in the local phone directory (such as the inside front cover). If this is the case, be sure to write the number down and post it on or near the phone. You should use the emergency number for fire, the police, and medical emergencies. You can also dial "0" to get an operator who will connect you to the emergency number. Keep in mind, however, that if you dial an operator (or if you call 9-1-1 on a cell phone), you will not immediately alert officials to your location. The most important thing is to remain calm enough to relay the essential information quickly. Sadly, the nation's 9-1-1 system is not fully funded, resulting in long waits in large urban areas. Furthering the problem is the widespread inappropriate use of the number, tying up the lines with complaints of noisy neighbors and requests for directions. Remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies, not for general help.