Think Safe Be Safe: Fire Prevention Tips

Prevent Fires Caused by Heating:

• Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or stacks of newspaper. Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Have them cleaned when necessary.
• Keep things that can burn away from your fireplace and keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace.

Prevent Fires Caused by Smoking:

•  Use “fire-safe” cigarettes and smoke outside.
•  Use large, deep ashtrays on sturdy surfaces like a table.
•  Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.

Prevent Fires Caused by Candles:

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Do not allow children to keep candles or incense in their rooms.
• Always use stable, candle holders made of material that won’t catch fire, such as metal, glass, etc.
• Blow out candles when adults leave the room.

Prevent Fires Caused by Gasoline and Other Products:

• Store gasoline in a garage or shed in a container approved for gasoline storage.
• Never bring or use gasoline indoors; and use it as a motor fuel only.
• Close the lid on all dangerous products and put them away after using them.
• Store them away from the home and in a safe place with a lock.
• Don’t plug in too many appliances at once.

Keep Your Family Safe At Home

• Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Put them inside or near every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they work. Put in new batteries once a year.
• Know how to put out a small pan fire by sliding a lid over the flames.
• Teach every family member to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes catch fire.
• Consider having a home fire sprinkler system installed in your new home, or when you remodel.
• Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher.