Home fires occur more in the winter months than during any other time of year.
Below are a few simple tips to help you have a fire safe home this season.
Annual Check List
Conduct a home safety walk through to make sure things are in working order
Have your furnace and chimneys serviced each year by a certified professional
Install a fire extinguisher on each level of your home. Check to make sure each extinguisher is not expired. Check with your local fire department if your units are in need of a recharge or refill
Know the location of your fuse box and main shut off valves for your homes water and gas supply
Check ALL CO2 Detectors and Smoke Detectors
Clean to remove any dust or debris
Check the date. CO2 and Smoke detectors do expire. Replace any expired detectors with new ones
Install new batteries (even if the old batteries test good)
Test to assure they all work
This test is recommended every 6 months at minimum
Familiarize your family with the sound each alarm makes
Make or review your fire escape plan in case of emergency
Each upstairs bedroom should have an accessible and easy to use fire escape ladder
Remove any obstructions (furniture, debris, etc) blocking easy access to escape route doors and windows
Practice your emergency plan to assure your whole family knows and understands
Daily Check List
Keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment (space heaters, electric baseboard heaters, fireplaces, etc)
Plug space heaters directly into wall and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed
Make sure all vents are clear of snow, ice, and debris allowing carbon dioxide to vent outside
Check to make sure your neighborhood fire hydrants are easy to locate and access by emergency responders in case a fire occurs
Comments