The most important part of fire safety is prevention. The following tips will help you form fire-safe habits and prevent fires in your home:
• Never plug multiple items into the same electrical outlet or circuit. If an electrical appliance smokes or smells unusual, unplug it immediately and have it serviced.
• Make sure light bulbs are the recommended wattage for all of your light fixtures.
• Keep baking soda near your stove to extinguish grease fires. Salt also works, but don’t use water, which will spread the flame.
• Keep your stove’s exhaust fan and range hood free of grease. Keep the cooking area free of combustibles.
• Never leave cooking unattended. Turn panhandles inward so they don’t hang over the edge of
the stove.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach. Teach children these are dangerous items to be used by adults only.
• Don’t smoke in bed or when you’re drowsy. Fires created by cigarettes cause more deaths than any other kind of fire. Run butts and ashes under water before disposing. Or, better yet, don’t allow smoking in your home.
• Never install a double-cylinder deadbolt lock on your exit doors. They require a key to unlock from the inside. When you need to exit in a hurry, this lock can be deadly.
• Never use an extension cord on a permanent basis and avoid running them under rugs.
• Don’t place hay, straw or other combustible materials beneath your home.
• Never leave home with the clothes dryer running. Clean dryer vents frequently. Clean lint screens after each load to keep the airway clear.
• Make regular safety checks of your home’s major systems or hire a professional to inspect them.
Check for cleanliness, proper functioning and loose connections for your:
• Heating/cooling system • Fuel lines
• Electrical • Water heater
• Appliances • Plumbing
• Never block doors or windows with furniture or other large objects.
• Store flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, etc., in approved containers outside your home, but not under your home.
*Courtesy of Formost Insurance*