Hillsborough

Fire Safety Tips

Fire Safety Tips

• Home fires happen quickly.  Have a family escape plan that identifies alternative ways (including windows) to exit each room.  Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, especialy if there are children, seniors or disabled members of the household.  Have an agreed upon meeting place outside the home.
   
• Smoke can be just as deadly as fire.  Know how to crawl below smoke to exit a fire.
   
• Have smoke alarms outside of bedroom areas, in each living area of the home, and on each floor of the home.  Test them monthly, change the batteries twice a year, and replace every six years.
  
  
•  Chimneys should be inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep and cleaned if needed.  Install a chimney topper or cap on flues to prevent sparks from igniting roofing or dry leaves as well as to prevent animals from building nests in your flue, a serious fire hazzard. 
  
  
•  Do not run extension cords under rugs or carpet.  If you find you are using an excessive number of extension cords or "cheaters", have a certified electrician evaluate you wiring and add the outlets you need.
  
  
•  Children are naturally curious about fire.  Teach that fire is a tool, not a toy.  Keep lighters and matches where children cannot reach them.
   
• Keep flammable items away from the stove.  These include curtains, food wrappers, kitchen towels, pot holders, loose-fitting clothing, and paper plates.
   
• Turn off ovens and stoves when not in use.  Never use one as a source of back-up heat.
  
  
• Situate grills and barbecues away from structures, building eaves,and overhanging limbs.  
  
  
• Repair or replace electrical appliances that are not functioning properly.  Aways replace fraying appliance cords. 
   
• If a fire starts in a cooking pan that contains oil or grease, immediately put a lid on it and turn off the stove.  Do not pour water on the fire.
   
• Clean out the clothes dryer filter each time you do a load of clothes.  Never place into the dryer clothes or rags with flammible substances (such as gasoline, paint thinner, cooking oil) on them.