Important Fire Prevention & Safety Tips
Fire safety requires true effort in order to be effective. For that reason, you shouldn’t take any chances. There are several types of fires, each of which has its own unique set of preventative tips. These fire prevention tips will go a long way in keeping you, your home, and your family safe.
Home Fire Prevention & Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms on each level of the home, outside every bedroom.
- Test smoke alarms once a month. Change the batteries when needed.
- Develop a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year with the whole family.
- If a fire breaks out: GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside.
Cooking Fire Prevention Tips
- Stay alert! Do not use the stove or oven when sleepy or under the influence.
- Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
- Use a timer to check food when simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food.
- Maintain 3 feet of space between flammable materials — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — and your stove/oven.
If a grease cooking fire happens…
- Smother the flames with a lid or baking sheet.
- Turn off the burner.
- Leave the pan to sit until completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
If the fire is too big to fight…
- Respond quickly – evacuate!
- Cose the door behind you as you exit.
- Call 911 from outside the home.
Candle Fire Safety Tips
- Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. 1/3 of home candle fires occur in the sleeping areas.
- Maintain 12 inches or more between candles and anything that can burn.
IF YOU BURN CANDLES…
- Purchase sturdy candle holders that will not be easily knocked over.
- Be careful when lighting candles. Keep hair and loose clothing clear of the flame.
- Do not let candles burn down to the holder or container.
- Do not use candles if someone in the home uses oxygen.
- Opt for flashlights and battery-powered lighting handy during power outages.
Electrical Fire Safety Tips
- Do not mess with wires or fuses. Only a qualified electrician should handle these items.
- Limit heat-producing appliances (ex. toaster, space heater, etc.) to one in an outlet at a time.
- Never plug large appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) into extension cords or plug strips. Plug them into an outlet.
- Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to prevent dangerous surges.
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements to prevent electric shock. Any outdoor outlet receptacles should be GFCI protected.
- Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month.
- Do not run electrical cords over doorways or beneath carpets.
- Only use extension cords temporarily.
- Use light bulbs of the proper wattage.
Fire Prevention is Worth the Effort
Preventing a fire is everyone’s responsibility. While it may take some time, energy, and effort, fire prevention tips can help reduce the risks of a catastrophic event. Use these fire safety prevention tips to help you around the home! And as always, contact ServiceMaster Restore for any of your fire damage needs.