COOKING
Never leave cooking food unattended
Cuff sleeves and turn pot handles inward when cooking to avoid burn injuries
Never store combustibles in oven or on top of stove
When barbecuing, move unit away from the house
Dispose of coals/ashes in metal containers
SMOKING MATERIALS AND CANDLES
Never leave cigarettes or candles unattended
Purchase and use ashtrays that have the center support feature
Empty ashtrays into noncombustible containers only
Never smoke in bed
Place candles in noncombustible sturdy holders
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
SMOKE ALARMS
Install smoke alarms inside and outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home
Test smoke alarms once a month (Hint: use a broom handle to reach and push test button)
Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year (Use Daylight Savings as a reminder)
Replace smoke alarm units every 10 years
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Purchase a multipurpose (ABC) extinguisher
Teach your family how to use a fire extinguisher (Use a PASS; Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep)
Inspect extinguisher annually
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A HOME ESCAPE PLAN
Develop a home escape plan that includesCrawling low under smoke, go out and stay out
Two exits out of every room
Have a meeting place outside (tree, mailbox, etc.)
Practice escape plan with every member
Teach all family members how to Dial 911 in an emergency and to state your name, location and type of emergency
EXTERIOR
Make house number visible from street
Trim trees away from electrical wires
Trim trees away from chimney and remove all pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters
HEATING EQUIPMENT AND FIREPLACES
Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from all combustibles
Replace furnace filters once a year or recommended by manufacturer
Clean lint from behind clothes dryer
Install a spark screen in front of the fireplace
Have chimney inspected and cleaned annually
Install a spark arrestor on chimney
Dispose of ashes in metal containers
Keep newspapers, other combustibles and clutter away from water heater
ELECTRICAL
Avoid overloading electrical circuits
Inspect electrical cords and appliances for damage
Do not tack cords to the wall or run them under rugs
Maintain plenty of air space around electrical equipment such as TV, VCR, stereo, etc..
Install additional outlets, by a qualified electrician, to avoid using extension cords
If you must use extension cords, use only the kind that have a built in circuit breaker
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Limit the amount of chemicals stored
Dispose of and recycle household hazardous materials properly
Store hazardous materials in proper containers with tight fitting lids and correct identification labels
Store hazardous materials away from heat sources
Put oily rags in metal containers with tight fitting lids, not in a pile where they can spontaneously ignite