Fire

hot spot (hot spot) n. 1. A place in your home where a fire could start. 2. A place where you could get burned.

 

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

Store flammable liquids such gasoline, in tight, properly labeled fire-safe containers, away from heat sources and small children. Keep your distance from ignition sources when using flammables. Turn off your lawn mower and allow it to cool before adding gasoline.Check to see if your roof is fire retardant. Clear away pine needles and leaves from the roof, eaves and rain gutters.Trim all tree limbs within 10 feet and remove all dead limbs hanging over the house or garage. When cooking outdoors, keep children away from hot grills. Recycle newspapers promptly.

 

Inside Your Home

Cooking

• Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Maintain constant watch when preparing food.
• Use a low flame to guard against overheated grease and overflows.
• Always turn pot handles toward the center of the stove.
• Keep your stove and oven clean. Wipe up spills promptly.
• Be careful when touching foods or liquids heated in the microwave.
• Place towels, napkins and potholders away from the stove.
• Set your hot water heater to 120F to prevent scalds.

Smoking

• Use large, heavy ashtrays that won't tip over.
• Extinguish cigars, cigarettes and tobacco completely.
• Empty used ashtrays only after the contents have cooled.
• Check wastebaskets and furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
• Keep smoking materials away from the bedroom area.
• Store matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Refrain from smoking when sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or medication.

Electrical

• Purchase UL-approved or safety-tested appliances.
• Plug only one appliance into an outlet or extension cord.
• Unplug appliances after use.
• When unplugging an appliance, grasp the plug firmly and pull straight out.
• Allow appliances to thoroughly cool before storing.
• Give large appliances their own heavy-duty electrical circuit.
• Use only safety-tested extension cords or multiple adapters with built-in circuit breakers.
• Provide appliances with adequate air circulation.
• Keep appliances away from water, and have them professionally serviced if they get wet.
• Replace broken plugs or frayed and worn cords immediately.
• Call a licensed electrician if you experience frequently blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, flickering lights, or a shrinking television picture. All are signs of faulty or inadequate wiring
• Supervise children when using appliances.

Heating Systems

• Provide all home heating devices with at least 3 feet of clear space, away from beds, drapes, furniture and other combustible materials.
• To ensure proper ventilation when heating your home, keep a door or window slightly open.
• Check local building codes for regulations regarding uses of home heating systems.

Woodstoves and Fireplaces

• Have chimneys and fireplaces cleaned regularly.
• Top your chimney with a spark guard.
• Keep the damper open when in use.
• Use a glass screen large enough to cover the opening.
• Burn dry, well-seasoned hardwood because it's the most efficient fuel.
• Dispose of cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container.

Gas Heaters

• Inspect gas heaters monthly during the year and weekly during the winter months.
• Examine gas lines for punctures or splits.
• Check the connectors and valves for leaks.

• Place electrical heaters far away from water sources.
• Check wires and fuses for damage and have repaired immediately.
• Make sure your home's wiring is sufficient to handle the heater's needs.

Kerosene Heaters

• Use only water-clear grade K-1 kerosene.
• Always refuel outside the home and only after heater has cooled.
• Store kerosene in approved and properly labeled containers away from heat and direct sunlight.

 

FOLLOW THESE VALUABLE TIPS
AND PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM FIRES AND BURNS.

 

Fire Safety Checklist

Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep ABC multipurpose fire extinguishers charged and ready to use. Know how to operate them properly.

Make sure every family member knows how to escape from the house by crawling low in smoke.

Hold regular fire drills.

Designate two exits from each room and a safe meeting place outside your home.

If a fire breaks out, get out fast and call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll to extinguish the! flames.

Never go back into a burning building for any reason.

 

PRACTICE FIRE PREVENTION
EVERY DAY FOR LIFE.

MAKE IT A TOP PRIORITY TO
HAVE A FIRE SAFE HOME.

USE THIS CHECKLIST
TO PREPARE YOUR
FAMILY FOR A FIRE
EMERGENCY.

 

Three STEPS TO A

FIRE-SAFE HOME

1. Learn the common causes of home fires and burns.
2. Involve the whole family and check for home hot spots.
3. Know how to correct fire and burn hazards quickly and safely.