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HOME FIRE SAFETY
CHECKLIST:
Here are some simple changes that could save your life! CHANGE YOUR SMOKE ALARM BATTERIES The IAFC and fire experts nationwide encourage people to change smoke alarm batteries at least annually. An easy way to remember to change your batteries iswhen you turn you clock back in the fall. Replace old batteries with fresh,high quality alkaline batteries, such as Energizer brand batteries, to keep yoursmoke alarm going year long. CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS After inserting a fresh battery in your smoke alarm, check to make sure the smoke alarm itself is working by pushing the safety test button. COUNT YOUR SMOKE ALARMS Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including one in every bedroom and one outside each sleeping area. VACUUM YOUR SMOKE ALARMS Each month, clean your smoke alarm of dust and cobwebs to ensure their sensitivity. CHANGE YOUR FLASHLIGHT BATTERIES To make sure your emergency flashlights work when you need them, use high quality alkaline batteries. Note: Keep a working flashlight near your bed, in the kitchen, basement and family room, and use it to signal for help in the event of a fire. INSTALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it. Should you need to purchase one, the IAFC recommends a multi or all purpose fire extinguisher that is listed by an accredited testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory. PLAN AND PRACTICE YOUR ESCAPE Create at least two different escape routes and practice them with the entire family. Children are at double the risk of dying in a home fire because they often become scared and confused during fires. Make sure your children understand that a smoke alarm signals a home fire and that they recognize its alarm. WINTER FIRE PREVENTION ADVICE WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT! Winter Fire prevention advice from the National Fire Protection Association. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States (During December, January and February it is the leading cause). Most heating equipment fires start as a result of misuse or improper maintenance. When purchasing new heating equipment, be sure to select products that have been tested and approved by an independent testing laboratory. Install and maintain heating equipment correctly, and be sure it complies with local fire building codes. PORTABLE AND OTHER SPACE HEATERS Portable and space heaters can be either electric or fueled by gas, liquid fuel (kerosene), or solid fuel (wood or coal). All types must be placed at least 36 inches (1 meter) away from anything that can burn, such as wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets and people. Never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room. Or when you go to sleep. Don’t leave children or pets unattended with space heaters, and be sure everyone understand that drying clothing or placing combustibles over heaters is a fire hazard. If you have an electric space heater check each season for fraying or splitting wires and overheating. Have all problems repaired by a professional before operating the space heater. PORTABLE KEROSENE HEATERS If you have a liquid fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never use gasoline or any other substitute fuel, because the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment’s design limits and cause a fire. When refueling, always turn off the heater and let it cool down before adding fuel. Wipe up any spills promptly. If you are considering a kerosene heater, be sure to check with your local fire department before purchasing to find out if it is legal in your community. Store the kerosene away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire department, and be sure it is clearly marked with the fuel name. FIREPLACES Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season and cleaned if necessary. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if not properly cleaned. Always protect your home and your family by using a sturdy screen when burning fires. Remember to burn only wood- never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. If you are purchasing a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes. WOOD STOVES Be sure your wood or coal stove bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory and meets local fire codes. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper installation, use and maintenance. Chimney connections and chimney flues should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season and cleaned periodically. Follow the same safety rules for wood stoves as you would for space heaters. Burn only wood, and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and hot embers. Check with your local fire department and local code of officials before having your wood stove installed. CAUTION - Portable LP gas (Propane) Heaters with self contained fuel supplies (cabinet heaters) are prohibited for home use by NFPA fire safety standards. |
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