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Fire Prevention
Some Fire Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home. Also place one in the kitchen and near each bed room
- Test your smoke alarms weekly, follow the manufacture's instructions, and change your batteries twice a year when you change your clocks (spring and fall).
- Smoke alarms that are direct wired to an AC source will not function during a power failure, unless they have a battery backup. Consider replacing hard-wired smoke alarms with battery-powered smoke alarms, or ones that have a battery to operate the alarm in the event of a power failure.
- Make sure each room has two ways to escape, often during a fire one of the exits may be blocked by flames or smoke.
- Plan your evacuation routes, and choose a meeting place outside where everyone will meet so that you know everyone is safe. Never go back into a burning house.
- Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. The is especially important for young children.
- If you live in a multi-story building, do not use elevators in the event of a fire.
- If electrical devices produce smoke or smell like they are burning, unplug it immediately and have it repaired or replaced.
- Inspect electrical cords and replace any that are damaged, cracked or frayed.
- Use only extension cords specifically designed and approved by the Underwriters Laboratory for outdoor use.
- Never run extension cords under rugs or carpet. This may cause them to be damaged when walked on, or cause them to overheat and start a fire.
- Remember that fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fires. Do not tamper with fuse boxes or use fuses of improper size or ampere (amp) rating.
Cooking Safety
- Keep pot handles turned toward the inside of the stove to minimize the chance that they will be knocked over.
- If cooking oil catches fire, smoother the flame by putting a lid over the pan then turn the burner off.
Never apply water to an oil fire.
Before Going To Bed At Night
- Switch off all oil and gas household appliances.
- Unplug electrical appliances not in use.
- If you have a fireplace, check that the fire is low and that the spark guard is in place.
- If you smoke, make sure all smoking material is extinguished and empty ashtrays into a suitable metal container.
Portable Space Heaters
- Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable to avoid starting a fire.
- Never leave heaters on when leaving the house or going to bed.
- Keep children well away from them.