Home Safety Tips

 

1. Prevent fires caused by children:
 
2. Every year, young children are badly burned or die playing with lighters and matches. Always store lighters and matches in a locked drawer or cabinet.  Avoid leaving lighters or matches in your jacket or purse as statistics show that those are locations known to children.

 

3. Prevent fires caused by smoking:

Cigarettes are a major cause of house fires and fire death.  Avoid smoking in your home and never smoke in bed.  Use large, deep ashtrays on a sturdy surface and make sure cigarette butts are extinguished.

 

4. Prevent fires caused by candles:

Always use solid, stable, candle holders.  Avoid leaving the room when using candles and never allow children to play with candles without direct supervision.  Keep candles away from window treatments and blowing curtains at all times.

 

5. Meet with your family and make a fire escape plan:

Map out two exits out of every room and arrange a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect — conduct a family fire drill several times a year to make sure everyone remembers the plan.

 

6. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home:

Smoke alarms are designed to do one thing — wake you or alert you to a potential fire in your home. Smoke detectors should be place at the top of each set of stairs and near bedrooms. Test them monthly to make sure they work and put in new batteries every year or more frequently as required.

 

7. Prevent Fires Caused by Cooking:

Stay in the kitchen while cooking and monitor stove top pots and pans, especially if you are cooking with gas. Be aware of the proximity of objects placed too close to the stove.   Paper or plastic bags, oven mitts and blowing curtains all pose a substantial threat. Loose-fitting clothes can also be dangerous.  Be aware of anything with flammable characteristics placed close to flame or hot elements.