Use the information below to identify and correct potential fire hazards in your home.
Electrical Safety
- Make sure to remove all electrical cords from under your rugs or those cords that are nailed to walls or behind radiators.
- Check to see if electrical cords are in good condition. Any cords with cracks or frayed areas should be thrown out.
- Avoid overloading circuits
- Never use an extension cord to provide permanent power to large appliances such as your microwave or refrigerator.
Kitchen Safety
- Never leave what you are cooking unattended.
- Keep your cooking area (stove and counters) clear of anything that could catch on fire.
- If you have pots on the stove, always make sure the handle is facing inward...so they are out of the reach of children and so they do not get bumped into.
- Make sure to always have pot holders near the stove and within an easy reach.
- Take the time to clean grease often from your stovetop, range hood, and range hood grease filter.
- Turn off all kitchen appliances when no one is home.
- Get a kitchen fire extinguisher and take the time to learn how to use it.
Living/Family Room and Bedrooms
- All doors and windows should be in good working condition.
- Make sure to at least keep one smoke detector on every level of your home and inside or near all sleeping areas.
- Space heaters should be placed at least three feet away from anything that can burn which would include furniture, drapes and walls.
- Allow sufficient air space around TVs and stereos so they do not overheat.
- Work on having not too small or too full of ashtrays. Ashtrays need to be large, deep, and emptied often.
- Keep your fireplace in good working condition. Make sure to have a spark screen that is sturdy. Also chimneys should periodically be cleaned.
- Make sure all exits are clear in your home - not blocked by stored items or furniture.