Home Fire Safety Do's and Don'ts Print
Wednesday, May 02 2007 20:00

HOME FIRE SAFETY

Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, automatic sprinklers, and home escape plans are the keys to survival in home fires. More important than those, though, is the developement and practicing of maintaining a fire safe environment.

Some points covered here are discussed in more detail throughout our site and should be thoroughly understood.


Fire Do's and Don'ts

  • Throughout The House
    • DO install a smoke detector on every floor.
    • DO plan your escape routes in case fire does strike.
    • DO have your heating systems checked for blockage and proper mechanical operation each season.
    • DO keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
    • DON'T overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
  • Living/Family Room/Den
    • DON'T put ashtrays on chair or sofa arms.
    • DON'T run electrical cords under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
    • DON'T leave unattended cigarettes burning in ashtrays.
    • DON'T staple electrical cords to walls or otherwise pierce the insulation.
  • Bedroom
    • DON'T smoke in bed.
    • DON'T place heaters within three feet of flammable materials.
    • DON'T use heaters to dry clothes.
    • DON'T use extension cords with portable heaters.
    • DON'T leave heaters unattended or go to sleep while they are on.
    • DO unplug heaters after you turn them off. 
  • Kitchen
    • DO purchase a cooking time that will ring until you shut it off. Use it to remind you if you leave the room. 
    • DO keep combustibles off of the cooking area.
    • DO keep appliance cords out of reach of children.
    • DO regularly check for worn cords or damaged plugs.
    • DO keel an ABC rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
    • DO check the kitchen before going to bed. Oven off? Coffee pot unplugged?
    • DO - If a fire occurs
      • Turn off the burner.
      • Smother the fire with a lid or shut the oven door.
      • If there is no fire extinguisher, use BAKING SODA to douse open flames.
      • Evacuate the house and call the fire department.
    • DON'T overload electrical outlets.
    • DON'T use the stove or oven to warm yourself or house.
    • DON'T store your fire extinguisher above the stove or oven.
    • DON'T leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or a potholder as a reminder. 
    • DON'T cook wearing sleeves that can dangle near the burners.
    • DON'T let grease build up on your stove or oven.
    • DON'T let crumbs build up in your toaster.
    • DON'T let curtains hand near your range.
    • DON'T - if a fire occurs
      • risk moving the pot or pan.
      • put water on a grease fire.
      • use flour or BAKING POWDER on ony fire.
      • try to fight any fire that spreads further than the stovetop or oven.