Home Fire Safety Checklist

• Buy and install smoke detectors preferably for each level of your home.  The chances of dying in a fire are cut in half with the presence of a working smoke detector.  Place a smoke detector in each bedroom or sleeping area.
• Test your detector on a regular basis and change batteries every year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen, and learn how to use it.  Store your kitchen extinguisher in a convenient spot but not over the stove as most kitchen fires occur there.
• The majority of kitchen fires occur when food is left unattended.  Don’t use water to extinguish a grease fire – this will only spread the fire.  Approach a small grease fire with a properly rated extinguisher.
• Always keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.  Store them in a high locked cabinet or container.
• Be aware that defective appliances and over loaded circuits are major causes of home fires.  Make sure that all power cords are in proper working order; replace any damaged power cord immediately.
• Be careful while using auxiliary sources of heat.  Space heaters or fuel burning heaters should be placed away from any combustible materials and out of heavy traffic areas.
• Store all flammable liquids such as gasoline and propane outside of the home.
• Plan and conduct home fire drills.