In 2000, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 3,420 Americans were killed and another 16,975 were injured as a result of fire. Direct property loss due to fires was estimated at $5.5 billion. Fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined. 85% of all fire deaths occurred in residences.

 GENERAL FIRE SAFETY

• Never smoke in bed.

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area.
  1. Test detectors every month
  2. NEVER "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use.
      
• Fire Extinguishers
  1. Purchase an ABC type extinguisher for extinguishing all types of fires.
  2. Learn how to use your fire extinguisher before an emergency.
  3. Never let the fire get between you and an exit.
  4. Only use an extinguisher on small fires. For large fires, get out immediately and then call 911.
      
• ESCAPE ROUTES should be planned and practiced.
  1. Be sure that everyone knows at least two exits - doors & windows - from every room and from the house.
  2. Agree on a fixed location outdoors where you will gather for a head count. Remember: ONCE YOU GET OUT, STAY OUT!
      
• Crawl low under smoke
  1. If you encounter smoke on your way out of a fire, use your second way out instead.
  2. If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
      
• Stop, Drop And Roll
  1. If your clothes catch fire, don't run.
  2. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
      
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach. Use child resistant lighters.

 COOKING AND GRILLING (Click Here for more information!)

• Never leave cooking unattended.

• Turn pot handles inward on the stove.

• Enforce a "Kid-Free Zone" three feet around your kitchen stove.

• Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.

• If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool.

• Never close grill hoods until ignition occurs when lighting a gas grill.

• Keep a fire extinguisher or a charged garden hose near by.

• Keep n 10-foot radius above and around grill clear of any combustibles.

• Always shut off valves to propane tanks when not in use.

GARAGE AND STORAGE

• Always store propane cylinders outside.

• Never store gasoline, paints, or flammable liquids in your home. Keep them in a detached garage/shed, in a well-ventilated area and only in approved containers.

 ELECTRICITY

• Use the proper size fuses in your fuse box.

• Don’t overload extension cords or run them under rugs.

• Replace any cord that is cracked or frayed. If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it and have it repaired by a professional.

 FURNACE/SPACE HEATERS

• Have your furnace inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season.

• Don't store combustible materials near a furnace, hot water or space heater, etc.

• Don't leave space heaters operating when you're not in the room.

• Keep a 3ft radius around space heaters clear of anything that might burn, including the wall.

• Don't use extension cords with electrical space heaters.

• Never use a gas range as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.

 CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY - Click here!