Fire Prevention In Your Home

It is important that all homeowners and their families are aware of the dangers of fire and the damage they can cause. A fatality occurs every 134 seconds as a result of a house fire; accounting for thousands of deaths each year. Understanding how to protect yourself and your family from fire related accidents and injuries is essential; the following fire safety tips are designed to help you be prepared, should a fire occur.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors should be installed on each level of your home and in high traffic areas, such has the kitchen and bedrooms.
It is strongly recommended that you test the smoke detectors in your home once a month. The instructions for testing your specific model of smoke detector will be in the user manual.
The batteries in a smoke detector should be replaced at least once a year. If the batteries need to be replaced, the detector will chirp until they are replaced.
Make sure your smoke detector is clean, dust and particles can clog and interfere with the sensors.
There are smoke detectors to fit every family situation and live style, including models made for the hearing impaired. Compare a few different models before choosing the one that is right for your home.

Fire Extinguishers

It is best to have several fire extinguishers throughout the home, including the following locations: the garage, kitchen, laundry room, and workshop.
There are different types of fie extinguishers; the ABC fire extinguisher, however, is most recommended for the most, because it will work for all types of fires, including grease fires.
It is important to learn the proper way to use a fire extinguisher; this will help you to be better prepared should a fire start; you won't have time to learn on the fly or read the manual. It is best to be prepared before an emergency happens.
Fire extinguishers are designed to put out small fires; if the fire has grown bigger, get to a safe location and call 9-1-1 to be connected to your local fire department for assistance.

Thinking Ahead: Your Exit Plan

Have an exit strategy planned for each floor of your house; it is safest to have more than one exit point for each room.
Discuss a fie safety plan with each member of your household and set up a practice drill to make sure everyone knows what to do during a fire.
Set up a single meeting location, should household members get split up when exiting the residents during a fire.
Closing the doors when a room is not in use or when you are sleeping, may help to prevent the fire spreading as quickly from room to room.
If there is a fire, touch the door before opening it to gauge the heat and presence of fire one the other side.
Keep hallways and high traffic areas free of clutter to avoid any accidents in the event that you need to leave the area in a fire.

Fireplace

Always keep your fireplace clean and free of debris and build up.
Clear your fireplace of flammable materials; such as paper, kindling and matches. Store these in a safe place, away from open flames.
Have your fireplace professionally inspected annually, preferably before the cold weather sets in and the fireplace is being used regularly.
When starting a gas fireplace, light the match first, then turn on the gas. Starting the gas prior to lighting the match may cause the fire to ignite and spread quickly.

Furnace/Space Heaters

Have your heater or furnace professionally installed and inspected to make sure it is done correctly. Heating units that are installed incorrectly may increase the chances of a fire.
Do not store combustible materials near a furnace or heater, including paper products, cardboard or cloth.
Space heaters should have a minimum of three feet of space around them and should be kept away from the walls.
When not in the room, make sure all space heaters are turned off.
Gas ranges are never to be used as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.

Clothes Dryer

It may be tempting, but do not run the clothes dryer when not at home. As with other appliances, it should be monitored.
Always clean the lint traps of the dryer after each use; this will help to prevent build up and reduce the odds of a dryer fire ignited by the lint fibers.
Rubber, synthetics, plastic and foam do not belong in the dryer; they retain heat and may cause the appliance to overheat and ignite.

Electrical Hazards

Avoid using extension cords whenever possible.
If extension cords are necessary; do not run them under rugs or wrap them up.
Do not overload electrical outlets.
Always use light bulbs that are appropriate for the lamp; using bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage is dangerous. The recommended wattage will be listed on the lamp.
Be aware of signs of overloaded electrical outlets; included dimming, flickering, slowing or popping.

Kitchen

Fire extinguishers kept in the kitchen should be kept at least ten feet from the stove, closer to the exit.
Never put water on a grease fire; cover the pan with a lid, if possible, or close the oven door to slow the fire's spread.
Maintain kitchen appliances and dispose of those that are unsafe or do not work properly. To prevent accidents, unplug appliances when they are not being used.
Keep all cooking surfaces clean and free of debris; do not store items on the stove or in the oven.
Clean the exhaust fan over the stove regularly.
When cooking, make sure that all pots and pans are out of the reach of children; turn pan handles inward.
Carelessness in the kitchen in the leading cause of residential fires; do not leave food unattended.

Children and Grandchildren

Keep matches, lighters and other ignition out of the reach of children; store them in high cabinets or locked drawers when possible.
Do not leave space heaters unattended around children and make them aware of the dangers of playing around heaters and hot surfaces.
Teach children proper fire safety; show them how to stay safe and what to avoid. Firefighters are often trained in fire prevention education.
25% of all fire related deaths involving a child are started by children. Educate children to avoid accidents or injury.

Gasoline and Other Flammable Liquids

Store flammable liquids outside of the home, such as a storage shed or garage, in approved containers.
Do not pour gasoline in enclosed spaces. Gas up lawn and snow blowers in a well ventilated area, away from heating elements.
Always clean up spilled flammable liquid and be aware of residue on the floor.
Flammable liquids come in many forms; always read labels and be aware of unsuspected flammable ingredients.

Smoking

Never smoke when overly tired or intoxicated; one may become careless and fall asleep with their cigarette still lit.
Smoking in bed is dangerous and should be avoided; not only does it make your bedding smell, but bedding is highly flammable.
Always use ashtrays and empty them after use.
When disposing of cigarettes or ashtray contents, wet the ashes and butts to avoid accidental fires.

Fire Prevention Resources

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