Fire Safety In The Home

1.  Install and Maintain Life Saving Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are time machines-they give you time to escape by warning you early when a fire is present. Install them outside sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Test them often, keep them clean and dust free and give them a new battery once a year. A chirping noise from your detector means your battery is low.

2.  Put Some Space Around Space Heaters
Space heaters produce temperatures that can ignite ordinary home furnishings. Keep at least 3 ft. clear space around them and never place them close to draperies or shower curtains. Buy only UL or Factory Mutual tested heaters with automatic "tip over" shut offs.

3.  Practice Your Planned Escape

4.  Keep An Eye On Smokers
Careless smoking is the number one cause of fire deaths in America. Never smoke in bed or when drowsy. Give smokers large ashtrays. Wet butts before discarding them into garbage receptacles. If you're throwing a party, have a designated area for smoking so you can keep an eye on smokers and avoid accidents.

5.  Matches And Lighters

6.  Stop, Drop And Roll

7.  Cool Water For Burns
Everyone knows scalding water burns just like fire. Well, cool water helps to stop the burning of skin when it occurs. If you or someone gets burned, don't use butter or some other home remedy. Place the burned area in cool water for 10-15 minutes and seek professional medical help if needed.

8.  Be Safe With Electricity
Overloaded circuits are a constant problem that cause home fires. Multi-plugs should be avoided and extension cords limited to temporary use, never run them under rugs or furnishings. Replace any cord or plug that has cracks or visible damage. Use only proper size fuses.

9.  Take Care In The Kitchen

10.  Stay Low And Go!
Smoke is the culprit that claims more lives than the fire that makes it. Try to avoid smoky ways out, but if you have no choice, get down and crawl as low as you can to find the best remaining air as you escape.

Fire Safety Links

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