Fire Prevention Tips #1

Portable Heaters

• Use heaters only in well ventilated rooms.
• Use heaters in areas where they cannot be knocked over easily
• Do not use heaters to dry clothes or other items
• Keep the heater away from any combustible items such as sheets, drapes and table clothes.

Kerosene Heaters

• Be sure kerosene heaters are legal in your area
• fill only with K-1 Kerosene.  Never use gasoline or camp stove fuel
• It is recommended that you refill kerosene heaters outside and when they are cool

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

• Use only seasoned firewood, never use green wood, artificial logs, or trash
• Always use a protective screen
• Store your ashes in a metal container and only empty when cold
• Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys annually

Safe Kitchen Practices

• don't leave food unattended on the stove
• keep hanging clothing away from the burners
• keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen
• keep baking soda on hand to extinguish stove top grease fires
• make sure the electrical outlets are designed to handle appliance loads
• keep appliances clean and free of food particles
• keep curtains and other combustibles away from the burners
• make sure the stove and other small appliances are off before going to bed

Gas & Electrical Appliances

• make sure stoves and heating appliances are off when not in use
• turn off electrical blankets when not in use
• disconnect curling irons and hair dryers when done and place them in a safe place once they are cool
• allow all hot tools to fully cool before storing

continue to Fire Prevention Tips #2 here.

Make sure to join our Fire Alarms Online Facebook Group HERE.

Fire Prevention Tips #2

Smoke Detectors

• place smoke detectors near each bedroom on every floor
• test the batteries monthly
• keep smoke detectors away from air vents
• place smoke detectors at least four to six inches away from walls and corners

Electrical Wiring

• check appliances for frayed or cracked electrical cables
• do not place electrical cables under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas
• avoid overloading outlets.  make sure they stay cool to the touch
• keep covers over electrical plates and avoid exposed wiring.

Electric Space Heaters

• plug directly into the wall outlet not an extension cord
• unplug heaters when they are not being used

Children and Fire Prevention

• keep matches and lighters away from children
• teach kids how to dial 911
• place safety plugs in all unused electrical outlets

Safe Smoking Habits

• never smoke in bed
• keep ashtrays away from combustible material
• do not leave burning cigarettes unattended

Fire Safety Devices

• keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen
• consider installing residential fire sprinklers

Home Fire Escape Plan

• Make evacuation plans from your home and your neighborhood
• plan several routes in case the fire blocks others
• develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during the fire
• ask an out of state friend or family member to be the emergency contact.  make sure everyone knows the name, phone number and address of this contact
• make sure all family members know these plans
• practice the plan every six months
• identify an outside meeting place, never return to a burning building
• keep emergency numbers, a whistle and a flashlight near the phone
• have a disaster kit made up.

to continue to Fire Prevention Tips #3 click here

To return to Fire Prevention Tips #1 click here

Make sure to join our Fire Alarms Online Facebook Group HERE.