Prevent Home Fires

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps to prevent a tragedy. 

Cooking

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time turn off the stove. 

Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a " kid free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.

Position barbecues grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 

Smoking

Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand. 

Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. 

Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turn off. 

Be alert! don't smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy. 

Electrical and Appliance Safety

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture. 

If an appliance has a three prong plug, use it only in three slot outlet. Never force it into a two slot outlet or extension cord. 

Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. 

Fireplaces and Woodstove 

Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. 

Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. 

Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.