10 key Fire Safety Tips

8/1/2013 (Permalink)

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home. 

Watch your cooking
Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food.

Give space heaters space
Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

Smoke outside
If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

Keep matches and lighters out of reach
Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

Inspect electrical cords
Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

Be careful when using candles
Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn . Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Have a fire escape plan
Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

Install smoke alarms
Install alarms on every level of your office  or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.

Test smoke alarms
Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.

Install sprinklers
Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving  your local Fire Department a better chance of saving your property.