Winter Home Safety Tips |
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Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost half of home
heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and
February. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.
Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified
professional. www.nfpa.org<http://www.nfpa.org>
Home Safety Checklist
Smoke Alarms
*There is one smoke alarm on every level of the home and inside and outside each
sleeping area.
*Smoke alarms are tested and cleaned monthly.
*Smoke alarm batteries are changed as needed.
*Smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.
Cooking Safety
*Cooking area is free from items that can catch fire.
*Kitchen stove hood is clean and vented to the outside.
*Pots are not left unattended on the stove.
Electrical & Appliance Safety
*Electrical cords do not run under rugs.
*Electrical cords are not frayed or cracked.
*Circuit-protected, multi-prong adapters are used for additional outlets.
*Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.
*Clothes dryer lint filter and venting system are clean.
Candle Safety
*Candles are in sturdy fire-proof containers that won’t be tipped over.
*All candles are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room.
*Children and pets are never left unattended with candles.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
*Carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level of the home.
*Carbon monoxide alarms are less than 7 years old.
Smoking Safety
*Family members who smoke only buy fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside.
*Matches and lighters are secured out of children’s sight.
*Ashtrays are large, deep and kept away from items that can catch fire.
*Ashtrays are emptied into a container that will not burn.
Heating Safety
*Chimney and furnace are cleaned and inspected yearly.
*Furniture and other items that can catch fire are at least 3 feet from fireplaces,
wall heaters, baseboards, and space heaters.
*Fireplace and barbecue ashes are placed outdoors in a covered metal container at
least 3 feet from anything that can catch fire.
*Extension cords are never used with space heaters.
*Heaters are approved by a national testing laboratory and have tip-over shut-off
function.
Home Escape Plan
□□Have two ways out of each room.
□□Know to crawl low to the floor when escaping to avoid toxic smoke.
□□Know that once you’re out, stay out.
□□Know where to meet after the escape.
□□Meeting place should be near the front of your home, so firefighters know
you are out.
□□Practice your fire escape plan.
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