Residential fires take their toll every day, every year, in lost
lives, injuries, and destroyed property. The fact is that many conditions that
cause house fires can be avoided or prevented by homeowners. Taking the time
for some simple precautions, preventive inspections, and concrete planning can
help prevent fire in the home - and can save property and lives should disaster
strike.
- Check holiday
lights for fraying or broken wires and plugs. Follow the manufacturer's
guidelines when joining multiple strands together, as a fire hazard could
result from overload. Enjoy indoor holiday lighting only while someone is
home, and turn them off before going to bed at night.
- Candles add a
welcome festive feeling, and should be placed in stable holders and located
away from curtains, drafts, pets, and children. Never leave burning
candles unattended, even for a short time.
- Live Christmas
trees should be kept in a water-filled stand and checked daily for
dehydration. Needles should not easily break off a freshly-cut tree. Brown
needles or lots of fallen needles indicate a dangerously dried-out tree
which should be discarded immediately. Always use nonflammable decorations
in the home, and never use lights on a dried-out tree.
- All electrical
devices including lamps, appliances, and electronics should be checked for
frayed cords, loose or broken plugs, and exposed wiring. Never run
electrical wires, including extension cords, under carpet or rugs as this
creates a fire hazard.
- Fireplaces should
be checked by a professional chimney sweep each year and cleaned if
necessary to prevent a dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause a
flash fire in the chimney. Cracks in masonry chimneys should be repaired,
and spark arresters inspected to ensure they are in good condition and
free of debris.
- When using space
heaters, keep them away from beds and bedding, curtains, papers - anything
flammable. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Space
heaters should not be left unattended or where a child or pet could knock
them over.
- Use smoke
detectors with fresh batteries unless they are hard-wired to your home's
electrical system. Smoke detectors should be installed high on walls or on
ceilings on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside every
sleeping area. Statistics show that nearly 60% of home fire fatalities
occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Most municipalities now
require the use of working smoke detectors in both single and multi-family
residences.
- Children should
not have access to or be allowed to play with matches, lighters, or
candles. Flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, or propane should
always be stored outside of and away from the house.
- Kitchen fires know
no season. According to the U.S. National Fire Protection Association, 46%
of reported home fires in 2015 were caused by cooking. Grease spills,
items left unattended on the stove or in the oven, and food left in
toasters or toaster ovens can catch fire quickly. Don't wear loose fitting
clothing, especially with long sleeves, around the stove. Handles of pots
and pans should be turned away from the front of the stove to prevent
accidental contact. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher within easy
reach. Extinguishers specifically formulated for grease and cooking fuel
fires are available and can supplement an all-purpose extinguisher.
- Have an escape
plan. This is one of the most important measures to prevent death in a
fire. Visit ready.gov for detailed information on how to make a plan.
Local fire departments can also provide recommendations on escape planning
and preparedness. In addition, all family members should know how to dial
911 in case of a fire or other emergency.
The Sound Team
(360) 753-5025
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