Follow these simple steps for prevent fire tragedy occurring in your home.
Smoking
- Smoke outside
- Completely stub out butts in a deep ashtray or can filled with sand.
- Never throw away hot cigarette butts or ashes. Soak butts and ashes in water before placing in the trash can.
- Choose fire-safe cigarettes
- Stay alert – Never smoke in bed, if you are tired, if you are on medication or if you have been drinking.
- Do not smoke in a home where oxygen is used.
Cooking
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the burners. If you have to leave, even for a minute, turn off the burners.
- Wear tight clothing and short sleeves when cooking.
- Keep children away from cooking areas.
- Place grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings.
Around the Home
- Replace any old or damaged appliance cords.
- Do not run cords under furniture or rugs.
- Do not force three-prong plugs into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Shut off and replace light switches that are hot and lights that flicker.
- Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heaters.
- Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually.
- Use a heavy fireplace screen.
- Make sure fireplaces are completely off before leaving the house or going to sleep.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Children
- Teach children about the dangers or fire.
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles.
