SAFETY TIPS
Here’s a list of quick safety tips everyone can use to keep your home and family safe
Where to put home smoke alarms
Have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month
Make sure to test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Every smoke alarm should have a test button! Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
Keep Dryer Filters Clean
Clean out the lint filter before you use your dryer. Old dryer lint can ignite when it gets hot enough!
Keep lit candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
Lit Candles can very quickly catch other household items on fire. Makes sure to pay attention to things like furniture and drapes when using candles!
Don't use lit candles in bedrooms and bathrooms
Don’t use lit candles in bedrooms, bathrooms and sleeping areas. Blow them out when you leave a room or home, or when you go to bed.
Test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
Knowing your carbon monoxide detector is working properly is a serious matter. You can test a carbon monoxide detector to ensure it can identify the level of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air, measured in parts per million (ppm)
Only Use portable generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area
Use portable generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from your home. Think it’s safe to run your generator in the garage with the door open? Or outside but close to the house? Don’t do it — even if you’ve done it before.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking
Any time the stove or oven is on makes sure you are aware of whats happening at all times!
Cook top fire safety tips
Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge. Always keep a lid nearby when you cook. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, slide the pan lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan has cooled.
Oven fire safety
If you have a fire in your oven and the flames escape the oven, leave your home and call 911.
Never use extension cords for cooking appliances
Plug microwave ovens or other cooking appliances directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance. Check electrical cords for cracks, breaks or damage.
Draw a Map of your Entire home
Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows. Visit each room. Find two ways out. All windows and doors should open easily.
Make a home fire escape plan
Go to each room and point to the two ways out. Practice the plan with everyone in your household. Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place. Practice your home escape drill often!
Portable Space heater Safety
Place portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. ALways make sure to inspect your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and broken plugs. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
Inspect holiday lights every year
Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them on your tree. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
Christmas tree light safety tip
Always unplug Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
More Safety Tips
You can also visit the NFPA website. We can all help make the world a safer place by learning more about how and why fires start. Everything you need to know to keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe from fire and related hazards