April 1999

Fire Prevention

Every 2 hours, someone in the United States dies in a fire. The majority of these deaths happen at home, during the night. The horrifying truth is even more disturbing when you realize many of these deaths could have been prevented.

The following are ways to protect your home from fire:

Installing smoke detectors

• Test the batteries monthly
• Change the batteries every 6 months
• Replace any smoke detectors that are over 10 years old

Keep a fire extinguisher handy

• Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on every level of your home
• Periodically inspect your extinguishers to determine if it needs to be replaced or recharged
• Have every adult in the household know how to use the fire extinguisher properly

Clean your fireplace regularly

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year
• Trim tree branches back at least 10 feet from the chimney
• Use a screen around the fireplace to avoid popping embers
• Always make sure your fire is completely out before you go to sleep
• Never start a fire with gasoline or flammable liquids

When moving into a new home

• Have your electricity checked out by a professional electrician
• Never use an electric appliance for anything other than what it was intended to do
• Unplug all electrical devices when not in use. Even though they may be turned off, they still carry dangerous electrical voltage inside them
• Keep all appliances and their cords away from water

Kitchen Safety

• If a fire is burning in your stove remember to keep your door closed and call the fire department
• Never leave food , especially grease, unattended on the stove
• Always keep a fire extinguisher near the stove

Smoking is still the leading cause of deadly house fires

• Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy
• Never smoke or light matches near flammable materials
• Teach children the danger of playing with matches

Always have a escape plan of action

• Plan at least 2 ways out of each room in case one way is blocked
• Keep an escape ladder on the upper floors of your house
• Practice an evacuation with the whole family
• Always remember to keep low to the ground because heat and smoke rise. Crawl on your hands and knees to get out
• Most importantly, get out of the house - don't ever take chances!