Home Fire Safety

There are more than 300,000 residential fires a year resulting in over 3,000 deaths in the United States.  Fire can occur in anyone’s home regardless of age, education, or race.  Working smoke alarms are a key factor in surviving a fire, but safe practices are your first line of defense in preventing a fire from ever starting.  For a Home Fire Safety Checklist from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission click here.  Here is a list of a few safety tips to help keep you and your home safe.

Smoke Alarms:

• Install smoke alarms inside and outside every sleeping area, and on every level of your home
• Test smoke alarms every month, and change batteries in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.  (Tip: use a broom handle to reach the test button, if unreachable)
• Replace smoke alarms every ten years

Fire Extinguishers:

• Purchase a multipurpose (ABC) extinguisher, and inspect annually
• Teach your family how to use a fire extinguisher (P.A.S.S. – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
• Fight only small fires with a safe exit behind you

Have an ESCAPE plan:             

• Develop a home escape plan that includes two exits out of every room, and establish an outside meeting place (tree, mailbox, etc…)
• Escape using the nearest safe exit
• Escape and exit away from smoke
• If room is full of smoke, crawl low to exit
• Practice escape plan with each member
• Teach all family members how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency (State name, address, and type of emergency)

Cooking:

• Never leave cooking unattended
• When cooking outside, move grill away from house
• Never use a deep fryer in a covered area (garage/carport/deck) and move away from house
• Dispose of coals/ashes in metal containers
• If clothes catch fire: “Stop, Drop, and Roll”

Smoking Materials and Candles:

• Never leave cigarettes or candles unattended
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
• Place candles in a sturdy, non-combustible holder
• Empty ashtrays into non-combustible container only and soak with water
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy

Electrical:

• Avoid overloading electrical circuits
• Maintain air space around electrical equipment (TV, computer, etc…)
• Do not tack cords to the wall or run cords under rugs
• Inspect electrical cords and appliances for damage
• Extension cords are only for temporary use, be sure to use cords with a built-in circuit breaker
• All electrical work should be performed by a qualified electrician

Heating Equipment and Fireplaces:

• Never leave space heaters unattended, and turn off while sleeping
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from all combustibles
• Never use an oven/cook-stove for home heating
• Replace furnace filters regularly
• Install a spark screen on fireplace opening
• Burn only clean, dry firewood
• Dispose of ashes in metal containers and soak with water
• Install spark arrester on chimney
• Have chimney inspected/cleaned annually
• Clean lint behind clothes dryer, and never leave running when you are gone or asleep
• Keep newspapers, other combustibles, and clutter away from water heater or furnace

Exterior:

• Make sure your house number is visible from the street
• Trim trees away from chimney and remove all pine needles and leaves from roof, eaves, and gutters
• Keep lawn mowed a minimum of 30 feet surrounding house and outbuildings