Cook Safely

• Be alert when you cook, and keep children out of the way.
• Keep pot handles turned inward so that they won’t be knocked over the edge of the stove.
• If cooking and oil catches fire, slide a close-fitting lid over the pan to smother the flames, then turn the burner off. Never apply water to an oil fire.

Matches & Lighters

• Matches and lighters are tools for adults
• In the hands of a child, matches or lighters are extremely dangerous.
• Always store them where children cannot reach them.
• Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools for adults - not toys for kids.

Be Careful with Smoking Materials

• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers in your home, and put water on cigarette butts before throwing them in the trash
• Before going to bed, check under and around sofa cushions for smoldering cigarettes
• Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy

Plan & Practice Your Escape!

If a fire breaks out in your home, you must get out fast! Practice an escape plan with your family from every room in your home! And remember...Get Out, Stay Out...never go back inside!

• Have the entire family practice your escape plan at least twice a year
• Plan two ways out of every room with your family- just in case there is a fire and one of the exits is blocked by flames or smoke
• Never open doors that are hot or when smoke is observed around it’s opening
• Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire
• Have a Meeting Place- select a location in the front of your home where everyone can meet after escaping the house
• Always call for help (911) after getting out!
• If you live in a multi-story building, do not use elevators in the event of a fire

Install & Maintain Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms warn you of a fire in time to let you escape. Working smoke alarms can double your chances of survival! It’s an inexpensive and invaluable protection for you and your family. Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm.

• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area. They can be purchased at any hardware or discount store.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test at least once a month. Remember to keep it free of dust and debris.
• Batteries should be replaced at least twice a year, or as needed. An easy way to remember this important task is to change batteries when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
• Smoke alarm units themselves should be replaced every ten years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Remember, if your smoke alarms are hardwired they will not function during a power failure. Consider installing a backup battery-powered smoke alarm.

Space Heaters Need Space

• Keep a three foot area around the unit clear of combustibles (example: paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding, etc.)
• Never leave heaters on when leaving the house or going to bed
• Keep children away and explain the risks of burns and fire

Alternate Heat Sources

• Keep fire in the fireplace
•  Always use fire screens to protect your home and family from sparks and fire spread
• Have your chimney cleaned annually, creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire - which can spread easily and quickly to the rest of your home
• Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities
• Never use gasoline or camp-stove oil
• Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled

Use Electricity Safely

• If an appliance smokes or smells like it is burning, unplug it immediately and have it repaired
• Check all of your electrical cords, and replace any that are damaged, cracked or frayed
• If you use extension cords, do not overload them or run them under rugs or carpets
• Remember that fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fires. Do not tamper with fuse boxes or use fuses of improper amps/size.

Power Failure

• In the event of a power failure, do not use open flames or a charcoal grill indoors.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, do not connect household items to the generator unless you have it wired professionally.
• Be sure the generator is kept in a well-ventilated area (outside the building).
• Do not put a gasoline-powered generator anywhere in your home.

Nighttime Checklist

• Switch off all oil and gas household appliances
• Unplug electrical appliances not in use
• Check that the fire in fireplace is low - always place the spark guard in front of it
• Keep bedroom doors CLOSED!
• Empty all ashtrays into the fire or suitable metal container