A few important and easy steps can be taken to prevent the majority of fires or to contain the damage to a minimum when a fire occurs.

Smoking:

• use large ashtrays to eliminate ashes

• check in and around furniture for dropped butts

• dampen and dispose of butts into large tin cans as quickly as possible

• do not smoke lying down or when drinking alcohol as drowsiness may occur

• keep cigarettes, cigars, matches etc. out of reach of children

• safely dispose of old matches and lighters

Cooking

• never leave cooking unattended – turn off the burner when leaving or answering the phone

• don't cook while drinking alcohol or on medication that can cause drowsiness

• wear tight fitting clothes when cooking

• always use oven mitts when handing hot pots and pans – no dish towels please

• never put flammable towels, mitts, etc. on the stove

• never use the oven as storage space

• keep pot handles turned in to prevent bumping or children grabbing them

• heat cooking oil slowly while supervising carefully

• if a pot catches on fire put a lid on it and turn off the stove – do not attempt to move the pot

• call 911 if the flames do not go out

Children Playing

• keep matches, lighters and smoking materials out of sight and reach of small children

• teach older children the responsible and safe way to use matches or lighters

• teach children not to play with the stove or other electrical heating elements

• never leave lighted candles unattended or in reach of small children

Other Fire Hazard Precautions

• have the fireplace chimney swept by a professional every spring

• use extension cords with circuit breakers – never overload a circuit breaker

• do not have electrical cords under carpets or hung from hooks

• consider having your electrical panel inspected regularly by a master electrician

Deliberately Set Fires

• have a quality security system in your home

• have good lighting around your home and yard

• when away have a someone monitor your home regularly

• make sure your home always appears lived in

• keep your home, garage and yard clear of rubbish and combustible items

If a fire does occur in your home:

• get down on hands and knees and crawl out – stay below the smoke

• keep doors and windows closed

• if clothes catch fire STOP, DROP AND ROLL to smother the flames

• use a damp towel or cloth to protect exposed skin and/or cover nose and mouth to facilitate breathing

• get out and stay out - call the fire department from outside

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!

Some things to keep in mind include:

• plan and regularly practice a fire escape plan including an area to meet family members if you should get separated

• have an emergency survival kit within easy reach if you need to evacuate your home – in the trunk of your vehicle is also a good place

• always sleep with bedroom doors closed – this provides some protection against fire

• keep at least one fire extinguisher within easy reach on each level of your home - know how to use it

• keep doors and windows clear of obstructions for safe, easy exit

• install a smoke detector on every level of your home – one close to bedroom doors

• test your battery and electric smoke alarms each month

• carefully clean your alarms every 6 months

• charge the alarm battery at least once a year – twice is better

• replace old alarms that no longer work

• if alarms go off regularly for no apparent reason, consider moving them to a different area – away from direct heat sources

Be Prepared – Before Disaster Strikes!