Home Safety

Many of these tips you may know. Some you may not. We want you to be safe and healthy, so here are a few reminders...

INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE DETECTORS.
Smoke detectors can give you precious minutes to escape safely. Install them on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas. Test and vaccum detectors monthly (dust can impair their effectiveness). Change detector batteries when you change your clock in the Spring and Fall.

PLAN AND PRACTICE AN ESCAPE PLAN.
Plan two ways out of every room. Fire routes should not include elevators. Select a meeting place outside of the house where everyone will gather in case of a fire. Practice your plan every month if possible. NEVER GO BACK INSIDE OF THE HOUSE TO GET ANYTHING.

LEARN HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Place fire extinguishers at every level of your home, especially the kitchen, basement or garage areas where there's the greatest danger of a chemical or electrical fire. Practice how to use them. Check them monthly to make sure they're in working condition.

MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS IS VISIBLE.
Your Fire Department can't help you, unless you can be found. Make sure the number of your house is visible from the street and is in a well lighted area so it can be seen at night. Many local Departments have Volunteer Programs that make address signs. Contact your local Fire Department for more information.

CRAWL LOW UNDER SMOKE
If you must get through smoke to escape, keep low. The cleanest air will be 12 to 14 inches above the floor. Crawl on your hands and knees to get to the nearest safe exit. If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth or handkerchief.

USE ELECTRICAL APPILIANCES SAFELY
Check lamps and ceiling fixtures to make sure wiring is intact. If an appiliance smokes or smells, turn off immediately. Examine electrical cords before use and replace any that are frayed or cracked. Don't overload electrical outlets.

KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTERS AWAY FROM CHILDREN
Store matches and lighters in places where children can't get to them. Teach children that matches and lighters are dangerous and should not be played with. Matches and Lighters are Tools, not Toys. Teach your children that if they find Matches or Lighters, to not touch them and go get an adult.