Fire Prevention

} Keep matches and lighters where children can't reach them

} Place all fuels (gas, oil, lighter fluid) in child proof containers

} Put flame resistant covers over stove burners

} Don't overload electrical outlets and insert safety covers in outlets not in use.

} Never cover power cords, especially under carpets or rugs. Try not to use
extension cords. If you do, use UL rated safe extension cords.

} Always keep charged fire extinguishers inside the home and garage, including the
kitchen, utility room and work shop.

} Don't smoke in bed. Also, don't dump ashtrays i the garbage without wetting them
down first.

} Provide outside ventilation for appliances. Don't store anything near furnaces,
space heaters or water heaters.

} Never leave appliances running when not at home.

} Never throw water on grease fires. It may cause the fire to spead.

} Only use UL approved kerosene heaters and never leave them unattended.

} Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside every bedroom.

KEROSENE HEATERS

Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon build-up. Be
sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped over.
Never use fuel-burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (kerosene, coal or
propane, for example) produces deadly fumes.
Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. NEVER introduce a fuel into a unit
not designed for that type fuel.
Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well-ventilated
storage areas, outside of the house.
NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid
overfilling. Use caution with cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms up.
Refueling should be done outside of the home (or outdoors).
Keep young children safely away from space heaters -- especially when they are wearing
nightgowns or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited.
When using a fuel-burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to
prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
WOOD STOVES AND FIREPLACES

Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful
attention to safety can minimize their fire hazard. To use them safely:

Be sure the stove or fireplace is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance
(36”) from combustible surfaces, and proper floor support and protection.
Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.
Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used
for some time.
Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from
jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent the possibility of bums to
occupants.
The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote
buildup.
Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite
creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
Keep flammable materials away from your mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite
these materials.
Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes
in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon
monoxide into the house.
If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. Never break a synthetic log apart
to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher
levels of carbon monoxide.
FURNACE HEATING

It’s important that you have your furnace inspected to insure that it is in good working condition.

Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are
qualified.
Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or
discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
Check the flue pipes and pipe seams. Are they well supported? Free of holes, and cracks? Soot
along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
Is the chimney solid? No cracks or loose bricks? All unused flue openings should be sealed with
solid masonry.
Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.
OTHER FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and
well away from the house.
Never use a range or an oven as a supplementary heating devise. Not only is it a safety hazard, it
can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords, which
have the necessary rating to carry the amp load.
Avoid using electric space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact
with water.
Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blowtorch or other open flame, (otherwise the
pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space). Use hot water or
a UL labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing.
If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should
strike. Be sure that all windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.

If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant
clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.
Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean it on
a monthly basis.
Contact your local fire department for advice if your have a question on home fire safety.