Fire Safety Tips for Around the House: |
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves:
- Clean and inspect your chimney or wood stove annually, using a certified chimney specialist
- Vent pipes should be three feet above the roof
- Make sure wood stoves and portable kerosene heaters have met building codes
Burn only wood in fireplace or wood stove
Outdoor Fire Safety Tips:
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
- Regularly clean the leaves, pine needles and other debris off the roof of your home
- Make sure there are no tree branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents
- Store flammable material at least 30 feet from your home
- Use fire resistant plants and vegetation for landscaping
- Trees and brush should be thinned within 30 feet around the home
- Water sources need to be accessible to the fire department
Fire Safety for Children:
- Children should wear fire-retardant clothing
- Children need to be taught about fire and fire safety
- Children should never play around electrical appliances or heaters
- Children should know the fire escape plan
Smoke Alarms:
- Smoke alarms should be tested every month
- Batteries in smoke alarms should be replaced at least once a year
- Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years
Fire Escape Plan:
- Develop a fire escape plan, and practice it with your family
- Have a designated meeting area in the yard where all family members are to go
Kitchen:
- Don't overload extension cords
- Look for the UL tag on appliances
- Check wiring on appliances routinely
- Replace worn, old or damaged appliance cords
- Place portable electrical heaters at least 3 feet from curtains, furniture etc.
- Children should never play around electrical appliances or heaters
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy
Smoke Detectors and Battery Information:
Test your smoke detectors at least once a month. If battery operated, replace the batteries at least once a year. One way to remember to change your battery is to change it during daylight savings time - when you move your clock back or ahead, change your battery. If a detector is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced with a new unit. |
