Although you might not realize it, someone dies in a house fire in the United States every 134 minutes—that’s nearly one death every two hours. Every household should make fire safety a top priority. This list is designed guide you through the process of clearing your home of common fire dangers—and to keep you and your family safe.
Storage of Flammables
Take care to store flammable materials properly, as they are a major cause of house fires. And, always properly dispose of any flammable products that you no longer need.
- Store flammable products in their original containers
- Abide by manufacturer’s recommendations
- Keep them away from heat or ignition sources
- Make sure lids are well sealed
Prevention and Preparedness
Every household should have a plan in case of a fire. Get the entire household involved, and make sure each person knows what to do in case of emergency.
- Practice a household fire emergency escape plan
- Keep an emergency kit ready and accessible
- Keep stairways and hallways clear of any obstacles
- Plan two ways to get out of each room of the house
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are the easiest way to put out a small fire. If you have a fire that looks unmanageable, call 911 immediately.
- Purchase ABC-type extinguishers that extinguish all types of fires
- Install fire extinguishers in the kitchen and garage
- Educate the entire family on how to use the extinguisher
Around the Kitchen
The number one cause of fire in the home is careless cooking.
- Don’t leave cooking unattended
- Keep baking soda and a fire extinguisher near your stove to extinguish fires
- Never splash water on grease fires
- Clear surface grease build-up regularly
- Keep electrical appliances away from water sources
- Make sure exhaust fans function properly
Utility and Laundry Room
If you notice any unusual smells coming from your appliances, or see any sparks, call a professional to remedy the situation right away.
- Clean the dryer’s lint screen and vents after each load
- Keep flammable materials at least 18 in. away from furnaces and water heaters
- Ensure heavy power users, such as air conditioning units, have their own circuits
- Don’t overload washers and dryers
Bathroom
Always stay in the room while electrical appliances are on, and always use caution when using electricity near water.
- Keep electrical appliances, such as blow-dryers and curling irons, away from bathtubs and sinks
- Unplug electrical appliances when not in use
- Test electrical outlets regularly
- Supervise small children
Living Room
The living area is the place where family gathers. There’s a fairly wide variety of fire dangers here, since this is the room in which you may have fireplaces, candles, and so on.
- Install screens on fireplaces, radiators, and electric baseboards
- Keep candles away from draperies or any other items that might catch fire
- Extinguish candles when you leave the room—never leave burning candles unattended
- Keep candles out of children’s reach, or where they can be knocked down by pets
- Keep heater vents clear of long curtains and furniture
- Arrange for regular chimney sweeping
- Clean out fireplaces often
- Keep areas around lamps and light fixtures clear of flammable or combustible items, such as newspapers or household chemicals
Smoking
Take extreme care if you allow smoking inside your home. If you allow smoking outside, designate a smoking area.
- Never smoke in bed
- Never smoke while using household chemicals
- Dispose of cigarettes properly
- Do not leave burning cigarettes unattended
- Make sure cigarette butts are completely extinguished before leaving the area
- Use proper ashtrays
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