Take These Steps to Have a Fire-Safe Home!!

• Learn the common causes of home fires and burns.
• Involve the whole family and check for hot spots.
• Know how to correct fire and burn hazards quickly and safely.

Fire Safety Checklist

• Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Keep 2A10BC multipurpose type fire extinguishers charged and ready to use. Know how to operate them properly.
• Designate two exits from each room and a safe meeting place outside.
• Make sure every family member knows how to escape from the house by crawling low in smoke.
• Hold regular fire drills.
• If a fire breaks out, get out fast and call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames.
• Never go back into a burning building for any reason

PREVENTION BEGINS With a Home Hot Spot Inspection …

Outside Your Home *** Check Regulations in the City of Santee Municipal Code ***

• Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, in tight, properly labeled fire-safe containers, away from heat sources and small children.
• Keep your distance from ignition sources (like open pilot lights on water heaters and stoves) when using flammables.
• Turn off your lawn mower and allow it to cool before adding gasoline.
• Keep weeds cleared away from your home by 100' (100 feet).
• Clear away pine needles and leaves from the roof, eaves and rain gutters.
• Trim all tree limbs within 10 feet and remove all dead limbs hanging over the house or garage.
• When cooking outdoors, keep children away from hot grills.
• Recycle newspapers promptly.

Inside Your Home

• Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Maintain constant watch when preparing food.
• Use a low flame to guard against overheated grease and overflows.
• Always turn pot handles toward the center of the stove - Children may grab, or run into, the handle and spill hot cooking oil or hot water onto themselves.
• Keep your stove and oven clean. Wipe up spills promptly.
• Place towels, napkins and potholders away from the stove.
• Set your hot water heater to 120'F to prevent scalds.

Smoking

• Use large, heavy ashtrays that won't tip over.
• Extinguish cigars, cigarettes and tobacco completely.
• Empty used ashtrays only after the contents have cooled.
• Check wastebaskets and furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
• Keep smoking materials away from the bedroom area.
• Store matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Refrain from smoking when sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or medication.

Electrical

• Purchase UL-approved or tested appliances.
• Plug only one appliance into an outlet or extension cord.
• Unplug appliances after use.
• When unplugging an appliance, grasp the plug firmly and pull straight out.
• Allow appliances to thoroughly cool before storing.
• Give large appliances their own heavy-duty electrical circuit.
• Use only safety-tested extension cords or multiple adapters with built-in circuit breakers.
• Provide appliances with adequate air circulation.
• Keep appliances away from water, and have them professionally serviced if they get wet.
• Replace broken plugs or frayed and worn cords immediately.
• Call a licensed electrician if you experience frequently blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, flickering lights, or a shrinking television picture. All are signs of faulty or inadequate wiring.
• Supervise children when using appliances.

Heating Systems

• Provide all home heating devices with at least 3 feet of clear space, away from beds, drapes, furniture and other combustible materials.
• To ensure proper ventilation when heating your home, keep a door or window slightly open.
• Check local building codes for regulations regarding uses of home heating systems.

Woodstoves and Fireplaces

• Have chimneys and fireplaces cleaned regularly.
• Your chimney should be topped with a spark arrester.
• Keep the damper open when in use.
• Use a glass screen large enough to cover the opening.
• Burn dry, well-seasoned hardwood because it's the most efficient fuel.
• Dispose of cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container.

Gas Heaters

• Check filters on heating units, to ensure they are clean and free of dust and lint

Electrical Heaters

• Place electrical heaters far away from water sources.
• Check wires for damage and have them repaired immediately.
• Make sure your home's wiring is sufficient to handle the heater's needs.

FOLLOW THESE VALUABLE TIPS AND PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM FIRES & BURNS.
FIRE PREVENTION BEGINS AT HOME!

Excerpts from:
SKILL BUILDER, 120 Mallard Street, Suite 180, St. Rose, Louisiana 70087-9452, (504) 468-1100
http://www.syndistar.com
ISBN 1-56230-368-6