Fire
Prevention
In case of an Emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Placement & Testing:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside every sleeping area, and outside each separate sleeping area. Test alarms monthly! Change batteries at least once a year (a good reminder is Daylight Savings Time). Replace the entire unit every 10 years.
Know the Sounds:
It is crucial to recognize the different alerts. Alarms sound different from carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
Resources:
The Three-Foot Rule:
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet (one meter) away from all heating equipment, including portable space heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces.
Space Heaters:
Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Plug them directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Stoves and Chimneys:
Have your chimney, fireplace, or wood/pellet stove inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.
Resources:
Cooking is the #1 Cause of Home Fires:
Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must leave, turn off the stove. Never use cooking equipment as a place to warm your home.
Dryer Safety:
Clean the lint filter before or after every load. Make sure the vent pipe is not clogged or crushed. Lint is highly flammable!
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Create Defensible Space:
Clear vegetation and combustible debris from at least 10 meters (30 feet) from your home's foundation. This is your primary line of defense.
Protect Vents and Eaves:
Cover any vents with metal mesh screen to prevent embers from blowing into attics or crawl spaces.
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Teaching Kids Fire Safety:
Teach children to Stop, Drop, and Roll if their clothes catch fire. Establish and practice two ways out of every room.
Holiday Safety:
When using decorations like Christmas trees, ensure all lights are in good repair, use UL-listed lights, and never overload electrical outlets.
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