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Basic Home Fire Safety
There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. Some require advanced planning.
Prevent Electrical Fires
Use Appliances Wisely
Using Alternate Heaters
Keeping Safe in the Kitchen
Smoking Hazards
Affordable Home Fire Safety Sprinklers
When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable; they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.
Prevent Electrical Fires
- Never overload circuits or extension cords.
- Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails, or in high-traffic areas.
- Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark, or emit an unusual smell. Have them repaired or replaced.
- Follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
- Unplug appliances when not in use.
- Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the home.
- Buy only Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved heaters.
- Portable heaters need space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
- Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. Creosote build-up can ignite a chimney fire that could be easily spread.
- Use only the manufacturer's recommended fuel for each heater.
- Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities. Never use gasoline or camp stove fuel. Refuel outside, and only after the heater has cooled.
- Do not use electric space heaters in the bathroom or around other wet areas.
- Do not dry or store objects on top of your heater.
- Never use a range or stove to heat your home.
- Most kitchen fires occur because food is left unattended on the stove or in the oven. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, take a spoon or potholder with you to remind you to return.
- Never cook with loose or dangling sleeves that can easily ignite.
- Heat cooking oil gradually, and use extra caution when deep-frying.
- If a fire breaks out in a pan, put a lid on the pan.
- Never throw water on a grease fire.
- Never use a range or stove to heat your home.
- Do not leave smoking materials unattended.
- Use safety ashtrays with wide lips.
- Empty all ashtrays into the toilet or a metal container every night.
- Never smoke in bed.
When home fire sprinklers are used with working smoke alarms, your chances of surviving a fire are greatly increased. Sprinklers are affordable; they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.