Preventing Residential Fires
Follow the simple steps below to eliminate potential fire hazards in your home:
Install Smoke Detectors – follow installation steps from manufacturer
Early warning is essential for every fire escape plan. Installing a smoke detectors throughout your home ensures that your family will be alerted to any potntial fire dangers.
Be sure that your smoke detector is UL certified.
Install smoke detectors on every leve of your home, including the basement. Make sure there is an alarm near every sleeping area.
Because smoke rises, mount smoke detectors high on walls, approximately 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.
Steam from bathroom and smoke from cooking food can trigger smoke detectors resulting in false alarms, so make sure your detectors are located away from these locations.
Do not install smoke detectors next to windows, doors, or ducts, where drafts might interfere with their operation.
Test your smoke detector at least once a month. Change the batteries at least once a year or as needed.
Replace the smoke detectors throughout your home at least once every 10 years.
Candles can create wonderful atmosphere in any room. However they can also be a potential fire hazard if left unattended or placed near anything flammable. When using candles follow these fire safety guidelines:
Never leave burning candles unattended. When going to sleep, or leaving the room, be sure to extinguish all candles.
Children should never be allowed to use incense or candles in their rooms.
Keep lighted candles away from Christmas trees or other holiday evergreens.
When situating candles in a room, be sure they are at least three feet away from any flammable materials, including curtains and other decorations.
Be sure your candleholders are stable and non-flammable.
Place candles on a surface where they cannot be knocked over by children or pets.
Store candles, matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of young children.
A wood stove or fireplace provides a warm accent in many households. Whether you use a wood stove to heat a room or simply enjoy sitting in front of a fireplace’s cozy glow, keep your home and family safe by following these safety tips:
Only burn wood in your stove or fireplace. Using trash, cardboard, or brush can increase the risk of uncontrollable fires.
Have a professional chimney sweep perform an annual inspection of the chimneys you use regularly. Never delay cleaning or repair.
All persons, pets, and flammable items should be kept at least three feet away from fireplace or woodstoves.
Before using your fireplace, be sure the flue is open.
Always have a protective screen in front of fireplace
Appropriate tools to maintaining fireplace
shovel
poter
scewer
brush
Following these steps will keep your home fire safe by doing it Barbara’s Way!
