Home Fire Prevention

          Every year in this country about 3500 people die in fire at there home, and about 20,000are injured.  These fires also cause billions of dollars worth of damage and the majority of these fires are preventable.  Fire prevention is the best protection that anyone can have against a fire.

Family Room or Home Office

• Empty ashtrays often and when the contents are cool

• Aviod running extension cords under rugs, carpet or furniture.  Aviod unning extension cords anywhere they may become pinched

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year.  Use a spark containing screen or glass shield

• Burn only dry wood or manufactured logs

• Inspect space heaters before using and use only the recommended fuel

• Keep combustables at least 3 feet from heat sources, and never hang holiday decorations from or near heat sources

Basement, Workroom, or Attic

• Strap water heater to the wall and have the gas shut-off in easy reach

• Have your furnace inspected annually

• Store flammable liquids away from any heat source

• Do not store large amounts of large amounts of unused paper or cloth items

• Wash oily rags with detergent and discard.  Oily rags can ignite without warning

Bedroom

• Never smoke in bed

• Close your bedroom door to help slow the fire progress toward you

• Install smoke detectors outside of sleeping areas

• Consider escape ladders for second floor bedroom windows

Then Entire House

• Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your house

• Maintain smoke alarms with monthly tests and new batteries twice a year

• Have a licensed electrician chek the house wiring if lights flicker, fuses blow, or sparks fly from outlets or appliances

• Do not overload electrical outlets

• Check cords and plugs for unsafe wear

• Windows and door should open easily for easy exits in the case of an emergency

• Keep extinguishers labeled 2A-10BC in the kitchen and workroom, and near fireplace

• Keep matches and lighter from children.

Landscaping

• Use low plants near the house in wildfire prone areas, at least 10 feet away

• Plant groups of trees and shurbs 10 to 15 feet from each other

• Ask a local nursery for advice about fire resistant plants that will do well in your area

If A Fire Happens to Break Out

• Identify two (2) exits from each room

• Choose a meeting place outside and a safe distance form your house

• Do not stop to investigate smoke alarms, leave the house immediatly

• Crawl with your head 12 to 24 inches from the gournd to stay under the smoke

• Check doors for heat with the back of your hand before opening it

• If the door is cool, open it with caution looking for smoke and flame

• Never for any reason go back inside the house, relay any information you have to the firefighters on scene.

• One person should goto a neighbors house and call the fire department