• The House
• The Kitchen
• The Living Room
• The Bathroom
• The Bedroom
• The Basement / Utility Room
• The Garage / Shop

The House:

1.      Smoke detectors should be on all levels of the house.  Test the detectors monthly and change their batteries twice a year.

2.      Cigarettes should be put out in ashtrays and NOT trashcans.  Before throwing them away make sure they are out!

3.      Lighters and matches should be locked up and kept out of the reach of children.

4.      Light bulbs should match the correct wattage for the fixture.

5.      Replace all frayed, broken, or cracked electrical cords. 

6.      Make sure all appliances and portable heaters have lab safety labels (i.e., UL, FM).

7.      Do not plug too many large appliances into one outlet, overload an extension cord, or plug more than one extension cord into an outlet.

8.      There should be two escape routes from every room, including basement bedrooms.

9.      Store and use all cleaning products and aerosol cans away from heat.  Do not burn the containers.

10. Do not use electrical appliances or tools when you or the cord is in or near water.

Kitchen:

1.      Stoves and Ovens need to be checked annually to insure they are working properly.

2.      Keep all surfaces on Stoves and Ovens clean to avoid fires.

3.      Keep curtains or other flammable materials away from above the stove.

4.      Keep a charged fire extinguisher near one of the exits in the room.

5.      Replace any appliance cords that are frayed, damage, get hot, or are loose.

6.      Keep all cords away from water areas.

7.      Keep paper towel racks, curtains, and towels away from toasters.

8.      Pot handles need to be turned facing the back of the stove.

9.      Wear tight-fitting sleeves or roll them up when cooking.

10. Unplug appliances when not in use.

Living Room:

1.      Clean all types of chimneys before each heating season.

2.      Burn only dry, seasoned wood in fireplaces or wood stoves to reduces the build up of creosote, which is flammable, in the chimney.

3.      Close the screen or doors on the fireplace when in use, to prevent sparks from igniting items.

4.      Dispose of ambers in metal containers and keep away from any material such as dry grass, leaves, or decks while cooling.

5.      Avoid running cords or wires under rugs, carpets, newspapers, or magazines.

6.      Keep newspapers, magazines, or other flammable materials away from the fireplace.

7.      Apply water to ashtrays before emptying them in the trash.

Bathrooms:

1.      Keep all cords away from sink and tub.

2.      Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in the bathroom, kitchen, and other rooms with water moisture.

3.      Keep hair dryers and curling irons away from items that might burn. 

4.      Unplug all appliances when finished.

Bedrooms:

1.      Install smoke detectors in the hallway near each bedroom.

2.      Portable heaters should have automatic safety shutoff features.  Keep all material at least three feet from heaters.

3.      DO NOT smoke in the bed, couch, or any time you are sleepy.

4.      Unplug your electric blanket when not in use and store it flat.  Never fold or roll it up.

Basement / Utility Room:

1.      Furnaces should be checked before each heating season.

2.      Change furnace filters frequently.

3.      If basements are used as bedrooms, make sure windows are large enough to crawl through in case of fire.

4.      Keep all materials that could catch fire away from the furnace or hot water heater.

5.      Get to know and label your main electric panel.

6.      Clean lint from dryer screen before each use.  Make sure the dryer vent that goes outside is never clogged.

Garage / Shop:

1.      Use proper gauge extension cord with any power tool or equipment.

2.      Keep a charged fire extinguisher near one of the exits in the room.

3.      Store gasoline in approved, tightly sealed containers.

4.      Keep paints, chemicals, and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight fitting lids.

5.      Use and store flammables (pesticides, fertilizers, paint, gasoline) away from any source of heat of flame.  Never smoke near flammable liquids.

6.      Place unused charcoal in a metal container with a tight fitting lid in a cool, dry place.