Fire Safety

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According to Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency, most Americans underestimate the risk for fire in the home and fail to have emergency response plans. Help make your home safe, prevent fires and be prepared for fire emergencies with these safety tips:

• Install smoke detectors. You should install a smoke detector at every level of your home. Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a plan for fire escape routes and choose a safe meeting place outside the home. It is better to get out and call the fire department from a safe location outside the home.
• Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
• Matches and lighters are “tools” and should only be used by adults. Store them where kids can’t reach them.
• If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don’t overload extension cords.
• Make sure halogen lighting is kept away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas.
• Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Use creosote logs can to help reduce the build-up of creosote in fireplaces.
• Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them.
• Only light candles when adults are present. Don’t allow children to keep candles or incense in their rooms. Blow out candles before you leave home or go to bed.
• Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
• Gasoline is very dangerous. Inside a garage or home, gasoline vapors can explode with just a tiny spark It is best not to keep any gasoline at home.

Fires can start for a variety of reasons. Fire prevention is made easy if you are vigilant and make sure no unnecessary risks are taken due to inattention or lack of knowledge. When it comes to fire, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.