Hazard Prevention and Life Safety

Fire prevention is best but, should you have a fire, having appropriately placed and operational smoke alarms along with a reliable fire escape plan will provide your best chance of escape without harm. Have a family meeting to discuss what to do if there is a fire, and practice your plan to ensure that everyone escapes safely.

Smoke Alarms

  • It is recommended to have one smoke alarm inside and outside of every bedroom.
  • Keep your smoke alarms properly maintained according to manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Test alarms once a month to ensure that they are working properly.
  • If your alarm requires batteries to be changed, do so every spring and fall when you change your clocks.

Questions? Check out Hot Topics or Contact us directly.

Fire Hazards
You can be fire safe in your home by eliminating dangers. Inspect your home for any hazards and take action to correct any problems. Some hazards to avoid in and around your home:

  • Stored newspapers or other rubbish. Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.
  • Oily, greasy rags and flammable liquids (varnish, paint remover, paint thinner, contact adhesives, cleaning fluids). If these must be stored, they should be kept in labeled, sealed, metal containers and never near open flame or pilot lights. Dispose of outdated or empty cans properly.
  • Overloaded outlets or extension cords.
  • Fuses of the wrong size.
  • Matches and lighters within easy reach of children.
  • Curtains or towels close to the stove.
  • Flammable liquids (cleaning fluids, contact adhesives, grease) near a heat source.
  • Fire extinguisher mounted too close to a heat source.
  • Too small or too full ashtrays. Ashtrays should be large, deep, and emptied frequently only when signs of heat and burning are gone.
  • Worn or frayed cords run under rugs/carpets or looped over sharp objects that could cause fraying.
  • Insufficient air space around entertainment equipment that could cause them to overheat.
  • Curtains, furniture, papers near a space heater.

Fire Extinguishers
There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.

A: Wood, Paper, Cloth, Plastics

B: Flammable Liquids

C: Electrical Equipment

D: Combustible Metals

K:Commercial Cooking/Kitchen

​It is helpful to have an ABC type fire extinguisher that is serviced by a certified technician once a year.  Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.

Ask yourself these questions before using a fire extinguisher on small fires:

  • Have I alerted others in the building that there’s a fire?
  • Has someone called the fire department? 
  • Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?
  • Is the fire small and contained in a single object (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
  • Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?
  • Do I have a clear escape route?
  • Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone.

Be sure that all able members of your family are instructed on the location and proper use of a fire extinguisher.