Fire Safety Tips

Focus on Fire Safety, Holiday Fire Safety
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas and in stairwells leading to occupied areas of the home.
  • Test and clean smoke alarms monthly, ensuring that each has a working battery and that dust and grease are removed. Change smoke alarm batteries in the fall when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
  • Keep fire extinguishers handy and know how to use them.
  • Keep emergency numbers near every telephone.
  • Don't overload electrical circuits and don't plug in appliances with frayed or worn out cords.
  • Set water heater at 130 degrees or lower to reduce the risk of scald burns.
  • When cooking, turn pan handles inward, out of children's reach and don't leave the stove unattended.
  • Keep curtains or other flammable objects away from stoves.
  • Ensure windows open easily for use as possible escape routes.
  • Keep an escape ladder on hand.
  • Map out, review and regularly practice an escape plan. Identify two escape routes from each room. Choose a central meeting place outside the home.
  • Sleep with bedroom doors closed to prevent fire from spreading. Never smoke in bed.
  • Store matches and lighters out of the reach of small children.
  • Have your chimney and heating system inspected annually.
  • Store paint, thinners and other flammables in original containers, away from heat, sparks or flame.