Home Safety
85% of all fire deaths, in the year 2000, occurred in the home.
- NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
Here are some important things to remember when it comes to home safety:
Smoke Detectors
The largest cause of fire related death is smoke, so the most crucial thing one can do is install smoke detectors on every level of the home and outside of the bedroom areas. Each detector should be tested at least once a month and batteries replaced once a year. Most models will make a beeping or chirping sound when the battery is losing its charge. Keep in mind that smoke detectors with visual indicators are available for the hearing impaired at a relatively inexpensive price.
Fire Escape Plan
When it comes to fire, preparation is key and there is no time to waste. Pick an outside area for family members to meet in case of fire. Closing bedroom doors at night can help slow the progress of smoke, fire and heat. If a door feels hot, go through another door or out a window with an easy to use escape ladder. Call 911 from another location.
Clothes Dryer
Do not leave home with the dryer on. Clean the lint screen often. Do not put synthetics, plastic, rubber or foam in the dryer, as they retain heat.
Smoking
Never smoke in bed, if you are tired or have been drinking heavily. Empty your ashtrays frequently and use large, deep ashtrays. Before you dump the contents of an ashtray in the trash, make sure you wet the butts and ashes first.
Fireplaces
Use a screen to prevent sparks from flying. Do not keep matches or newspaper near the fireplace or have an exposed rug or wooden floor in front of the fireplace. Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the winter and cleaned to remove combustible build-up. When lighting a gas fireplace, strike the match first, then turn on the gas.
Electrical Hazards
If you use extension cords, make sure they are not frayed or worn. Do not run cords under rugs or twist them around nails or hooks. Never overload an electrical socket or extension cord. Do not use a light bulb whose wattage is higher than what the fixture is designed to handle. Allow airspace around TV's, radios, lamps, computers and electrical equipment to prevent overheating.
Use Common Sense
Pay attention to and acquaint yourself with your surroundings. In the event of a fire, think quickly to decide if you can safely fight the blaze with a small fire extinguisher or if you should get out of its way. Always call 911 from a safe location (a neighbor's house or a cell phone out of harm's way).
Learn to think like a safety engineer. If something looks unsafe, it probably is unsafe. Make changes where necessary to ensure your continued safety. The best way to fight a fire is to prevent it from ever starting.
Most Importantly
Please remember that the lives of everyone in your house are far more precious than any amount of material possessions. Get yourself and loved ones out of harm's way. Things can be replaced, people cannot.
Kitchen Safety
While the kitchen is home to many elements that make fire inviting, you can greatly minimize the risk of fire by following these important safety rules. They may seem obvious, but with three of every 10 reported home fires starting in the kitchen, you cannot be too careful.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, but make sure it is at least 10 feet away from the stove.
• Do not pour water on a grease fire. Instead, turn off the stove and cover the pan with a lid or close the oven door.
- Make sure your pot handles are turned toward the back of the stove so that they will not be bumped.
- Never wear baggy clothing while cooking and remember to roll up your sleeves. If your clothing does catch fire, remember to: STOP, DROP and ROLL.
- Keep your exhaust hood and duct over the stove clean and wipe up any grease on the stove immediately after it has cooled.
- Do not turn on your microwave if there is no food in it. In case of a microwave fire, keep the door shut and unplug the microwave. Be sure to have it serviced before using it again.
- Never leave a child alone in the kitchen and teach your children about kitchen safety.
- Always keep an eye on food on the stovetop and inside of the oven.
- Keep combustible items, such as potholders, towels, curtains, and food packaging away from cooking areas.