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Consult your
local fire Dept.
Many local fire departments have
inspection programs. Check with your fire department for advise about placing smoke alarms
, purchasing fire extinguishers and devising emergency escape plans. |
Clean
house:
Do not let old papers and trash gather in closets , attic
, basements , garage or under the basement stairs. If they would ignite ,flames could
spread rapidly. Take out rubbish regularly. |
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Use flammables outside:
Do not use gasoline , kerosene or other flammable liquids
indoors . Keep flammables stored in approved containers out of house. |
Do not let rags collect:
Keep oily , greasy or paint smeared rags in closed metal
containers until disposed of properly. Do not keep them in the house. Guard against
spontaneous combustion. |
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Use flashlights instead of flames :
Instruct every member of the family
never to use matches or candles to light the way in the attic , closets , basement or any
other dark place in the house. |
Have family fire exit
drills:
Plan in advance what escape routed
you will use and designate a
meeting place.
Have an alternate route planned in case flames block your
way . Make sure you instruct your baby sitters on what to do in case of fire. |
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Install smoke detectors:
In each occupied floor - including the basement - and
within 15 feet of each sleeping room , which is the law in some states. Check detectors
once a month , change the battery in battery powered smoke dectors once a year or as
needed. |
Keep
fire ladders handy:
near
windows of upstairs bedrooms . remember , fire escape ladders save
lives. |
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Do not hide extension cords:
Extension cords should be in good condition and out in
the open rather than under rugs , over hooks or through door or window openings and
partitions. |
Safeguard your chimney and
fireplace:
Use
a rain - cap with a metal screen to catch
sparks from the chimney . Chimneys should be checked before the
heating season for possible obstructions , deterioration , and/or
creosote build up . Also , be sure to use a fire screen. |
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Keep important numbers
visible:
Post your fire department and
local emergency telephone numbers near all phones. |
Keep matches , lighters:
and all flammables out of the reach of children. |
|
Do not overload circuits or sockets:
Make sure every room has enough electrical outlets to
avoid the need for multiple attachments plugs. Never use more than one high wattage
appliance on a circuit at a time . Use surge protection outlet bars on sensitive
electronic equipment. |
Do not smoke in bed:
when lying down or when you are likely to fall asleep in
a chair. Careless smoking is the cause of more than half of home fires. After entertaining
, check all upholstered furniture and garbage containers before going to bed. |
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Use listed appliances:
Make sure your electrical appliances bear the seal of the
Underwriter's Laboratories (UL). Turn off the current when you are through using them . |
Cook with care:
Keep an eye on the stove while broiling or frying . Never put water on a
grease fire ; it spreads the flame. Never carry a burning pan because you could easily
spread the fire throughout your home . Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or cover the
fire with the pan lid. Do not wear frilly , long sleeved clothing while cooking and keep
handles turned toward the center of the stove to prevent accidental over turning. |
|
Keep proper fuses handy:
Do not replace blown fuses with pennies , wire or
anything other than a new fuse. A 15 AMP fuse is correct for most lighting circuits . Do
not overload circuits . Consider contacting a qualified electrician to inspect your
electrical system if it is more than 20 years old. |
Examine electrical cords:
Do not let electrical cords for items such as appliances
or lamps get wet. Keep kinks out and use a heavy duty cord. |
|
Learn how to use fire extinguishers:
Equip your home with 2 1/2 pound all purpose dry chemical
fire extinguishers good for Type A , B or C fires . Mount extinguishers properly and show
everyone in the house how to use them. Make sure a fire extinguisher is available in the
kitchen . |
Inspect furnaces and
heating appliances annually:
Do not overlook
the heating system , wood burning stoves or your chimney . Have them inspected and cleaned
yearly . Improperly installed or maintained equipment can cause fires. |
