Practice Escaping From Every Room In The Home Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible …
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire …
Christmas Tree Fire Hazards – Movie segments demonstrating how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases. Selecting a Tree for the Holiday Needles on fresh trees should be …
Maintain Your Holiday Lights Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. …
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion. Artificial Christmas Trees If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame …
Avoid Using Lit Candles If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches. Finally, as in every …
Many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you don’t practice safe cooking behaviors. Cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Cooking equipment is also the leading …
Choose the Right Equipment and Use It Properly Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility. Follow manufacturers’ instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment. Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause …
Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill. Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty …
Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources. Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.