Fire Prevention Tips in Your Home

REALTOR® News & Views

                                   

Fire Prevention Tips in Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2008 a home structure fire was reported every 82 seconds and most home fires are preventable.   There was one civilian fire death every 2.5 hrs.

The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.gov) encourages everyone to review Home Fire Prevention Tips to see how safe your home is.  Don’t let your home become a statistic.   Here are just a few of many tips to a prevent fire in your home.

Smoke Detectors:

• Install a working smoke detector on every level of the home
• Test all smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year

 Smoking Practices:

• Do not smoke in bed or while lying down.  Best practice is to smoke outside!
• Dispose of ashtrays contents in the trash only after wetting the ashes

Kitchen:

• Never leave cooking unattended   
• Make sure everyone knows how to put out a grease fire with a lid.  Never use water!
• Do not use the stovetop to store items

 Electrical:

• Plug large appliances directly into wall outlets.  Check the amperage to make sure you don’t overload the socket.
• Use extension cords sparingly and do not piggy-back the cords (one plugged into another)
• Repair loose or worn-out outlets, light fixtures, cords, fixtures, etc immediately upon discovery

 Heating:

• Inspect and clean all heating systems, including fireplaces prior to every heating season
• Keep all heating systems at least 3 ft away from flammable items
• Use portable space heaters sparingly and never leave them turned-on while unattended

 General Household:

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
• Never leave candles burning while unattended
• Store paints and other flammables in approved containers outside or in a garage/shed
• Clean the clothes dryer lint screen frequently to keep the airway open.  If you use fabric softening sheets, scrub the lint screen with dish soap to remove the invisible residue at least twice a year
• Have an ABC fire extinguisher in your kitchen and garage for on-the-spot small fires only

Brought to you by the Greater Portland Board of REALTORS®

Submitted by Geoff MacLean, REALTOR® and Scarborough Fire Department Captain.