Safety Tips
Below are a few simple things to remember to help make your home fire safe:
Never store flammable liquids inside the home. This includes gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, cleaners, and LPG tanks. Be safe, check the label and store accordingly.
When cooking with oil or grease, have the pan lid readily available to smother a possible grease fire.
When using appliances that create heat and contain a built-in thermostat (i.e., toasters, toaster ovens, irons, hair dryers, and coffee makers), remember to unplug them when no longer in use. On occasion, the thermostat can 'fuse' at a given temperature, causing the appliance to overheat, and could start a fire.
Hot ashes retain heat for long periods of time. When removing ashes from a fireplace, place them in a metal container and move them to a place outside the home. Make sure that they cool down completely before disposing of them.
When extension cords must be used, don't place them under carpeting or furniture where they may become worn or damaged. Use power taps with built-in circuit breakers rather than multi-plug adapters when you need extra plug options.
Be careful to keep at least 2-3 feet clearance around your water heater, furnace, and/or space heaters.
Remember to keep the filter and ductwork from your clothes dryer free of lint build up.
Keep handy an ABC all purpose dry-chemical fire extinguisher near an exit. Learn how to use it properly.
