KEEP A FIRE SAFE HOME

Use these guidelines to inspect your home.
The life you save may be your own!

Garage Area
Gas-fired water heaters should be 18" off the garage floor and strapped to the wall with easy access to gas shut off. Do not hang or store flammable materials on or near your gas-fired water heater.

Flammable and combustible liquids and gases should be stored away from heat or spark producing equipment. It would be better to store them in a shed or an out building. If you must store gasoline, do it in an approved safety can.

Don't overload electrical cords or circuits. Never use frayed or damaged extension cords. Use only the proper gauge extension cord for the job, typically a 12 or 14 gauge for heavy duty use.

Safely store pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning agents and building supplies on level and secure shelving.

Consider what may happen in an earthquake if these materials were to fall or spill. Read labels to check for product incompatibility with other products and store accordingly. Keep out of the reach of small children!

Keep a fire extinguisher inside the garage near an exit. The extinguisher should be a multi-purpose dry chemical type with a minimum rating of 2A-1OBC.

Keep your dryer and dryer vent clean and free from excess lent.

Check your garage door's operation and safety features often. Small children can be injured or killed by an improperly working garage door.

Kitchen Area
Keep your stove, oven and hood vent free of grease and dirt buildup.

Don't use the stove top for added counter space.

Turn cooking handles to the outside away from the front of the cook top to keep out of the reach of children and avoid accidental spills.

When cooking on a stove top, always have the lid of the pot or pan that is in use close at hand. The lid can be used to smother a food or grease fire.

Properly store all cleaning agents, check label for health hazard and flammability and store accordingly.

Do not leave kitchen appliances on when no one is home.

Always use a timer when using the oven.

Install a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Living Area
When possible, replace extension cords with surge suppressing power strips that are equipped with a circuit breaker.

Secure furniture and entertainment equipment to wall or floor to prevent damage or injury. This will help if there are climbing children in the home as well as earthquake prevention.

Keep your fireplace in good working condition. Burn only dry seasoned wood or commercial fire logs. Do not burn garbage, plastics, grass or Christmas tree trimmings. Keep all combustible material at least 36" away from fireplace opening.

Keep matches out of the reach of children.

Make sure all exits from your home are clear and not blocked by stored items or furniture.

Bedrooms and Hallways
A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dieing in a home fire by nearly half.

Don't smoke in bed! Dispose of smoking materials in a metal container - not in a waste basket.

Keep at least one smoke alarm on every level of a home. There should be a smoke alarm in all hallways that lead to sleeping areas and in each bedroom. Smoke alarms should be checked each month and the batteries replaced on an annual basis or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Doors and windows should be in good working condition. A door can be used to slow fire and smoke spread. Windows can be used as a means of escape in the event of severe fire and smoke conditions.

Develop an Escape Route
The speed of fire is phenomenal. During the first minute of a fire it spreads at a 100% rate. In two minutes, 300%. And in four minutes , 1100%. This is all the time you have to wake up and get out. It's the lack of time that kills! That is why an escape plan is imperative.

Create at least two different escape routes for each family member and practice them with the entire family. When you practice your escape, close doors behind you. Closed doors slow the spread of fire. Also, you should crouch down low to avoid breathing in smoke.

Make sure your children understand that a smoke alarm signals a home fire and that they recognize its alarm.

Have a designated meeting place outside and make sure all members of your family know the location.

When all members of your family are outside, STAY OUTSIDE. Under no circumstance should anyone go back into your home during a fire. Call the fire department from a neighbors house.

For more information on Home Fire Safety see:
National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Program