Tips for Fire Prevention

Fires destroy homes every day. There are some simple things that you can do to diminish your chances of getting burned by this catastrophe.

  • Unattended cooking is a leading cause of kitchen fires. If you need to leave the room, even for a minute, turn off your stove.

  • If you use candles, ensure that they are at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Don't place them near a fan, vent, or open window. Never keep a candle lit in a room that is unattended.

  • Don't store flammable liquids (fuel, cleaning supplies, paint, etc.) near a heat source.

  • Ensure that your electrical appliances/devices don't have frayed cords or plugs. Also, don’t overload your outlets with plugs. Unplug items when they are not in use.

  • Never put a wooden utensil in your dishwasher. If it was to fall on the heating element during the drying cycle, it could catch on fire.

  • Don't tackle electrical projects on your own. If something needs to be rewired, leave it to a professional.

  • Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended and be sure to remember to open your damper to avoid smoke damage.

  • Be sure to keep your clothes dryer vents clear of lint to avoid fires in the laundry room.

Be prepared should a fire occur. Have a fire extinguisher in your home and make sure it is not expired. Be sure to have at least one working smoke detector on each floor of your home and test them monthly. Have an escape plan in place that all family members know in the case of a fire. These things could save your life!