Your home is more than shelter for you and your family. You’ve made memories there and it is where you keep belongings and items that are important to your family. Practice these tips for fire safety in the home to keep your family safe and reduce the chances you’ll lose valuable assets in a house fire.
Create a Fire Safety Plan for Your Family
Efforts to protect your home and family from fire should include a fire safety escape plan. A basic plan starts with identifying two exits from each room in your home. Test each exit to verify it actually opens. Designate a meeting place outside of your home. Schedule family fire drills to practice the escape plan.
Install Smoke Alarms
There should be at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home. Install smoke alarms outside of sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. Remember to test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries regularly.
Cook Responsibly
Always stay in the kitchen when you are using the oven or stove top. Avoid leaving the house, even for a short errand, any time you are preparing food.
Cooking-related tips for fire safety in the home include: keep combustible materials such as oven mitts, dish towels, and rags away from the stove. Children and pets should be taught to play away from cooking appliances. When cooking outdoors, place your grill at least three feet away from bushes and 10 feet away from your home.
Be Cautious with Portable Heaters
Another tip for fire safety in the home is to keep flammable furnishings at least three feet away from portable heaters. Do not leave space heaters unattended. Turn them off before you leave the room or go to bed. Remind children that space heaters are not toys and to play several feet away when a portable heater is in use.
Take Care with Candles and Fireplaces
Use flashlights instead of burning candles as a light source during a power outage. Candles should never burn unattended. Blow them out if you’re leaving the room or going to bed. Never burn candles near draperies or upholstery.
Place a screen in front of your fireplace when it’s in use. Take care to extinguish the fire completely before you go to sleep or leave home. Place ashes in a fireproof container away from your house.
Share Tips for Fire Safety in the Home With Children
Kids can be taught how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire. Demonstrate to your children what it looks like to be at least three feet away from potential fire dangers such as space heaters, candles, stoves, and fireplaces. Involve children in creating and practicing the escape plan so they are well-prepared in case of a fire.
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