A few important and easy steps can be taken to prevent the majority of fires or to contain the damage to a minimum when a fire occurs.

Smoking:

? use large ashtrays to eliminate ashes

? check in and around furniture for dropped butts

? dampen and dispose of butts into large tin cans as quickly as possible

? do not smoke lying down or when drinking alcohol as drowsiness may occur

? keep cigarettes, cigars, matches etc. out of reach of children

? safely dispose of old matches and lighters

Cooking

? never leave cooking unattended ? turn off the burner when leaving or answering the phone

? don't cook while drinking alcohol or on medication that can cause drowsiness

? wear tight fitting clothes when cooking

? always use oven mitts when handing hot pots and pans ? no dish towels please

? never put flammable towels, mitts, etc. on the stove

? never use the oven as storage space

? keep pot handles turned in to prevent bumping or children grabbing them

? heat cooking oil slowly while supervising carefully

? if a pot catches on fire put a lid on it and turn off the stove ? do not attempt to move the pot

? call 911 if the flames do not go out

Children Playing

? keep matches, lighters and smoking materials out of sight and reach of small children

? teach older children the responsible and safe way to use matches or lighters

? teach children not to play with the stove or other electrical heating elements

? never leave lighted candles unattended or in reach of small children

Other Fire Hazard Precautions

? have the fireplace chimney swept by a professional every spring

? use extension cords with circuit breakers ? never overload a circuit breaker

? do not have electrical cords under carpets or hung from hooks

? consider having your electrical panel inspected regularly by a master electrician

Deliberately Set Fires

? have a quality security system in your home

? have good lighting around your home and yard

? when away have a someone monitor your home regularly

? make sure your home always appears lived in

? keep your home, garage and yard clear of rubbish and combustible items

If a fire does occur in your home:

? get down on hands and knees and crawl out ? stay below the smoke

? keep doors and windows closed

? if clothes catch fire STOP, DROP AND ROLL to smother the flames

? use a damp towel or cloth to protect exposed skin and/or cover nose and mouth to facilitate breathing

? get out and stay out - call the fire department from outside

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!

Some things to keep in mind include:

? plan and regularly practice a fire escape plan including an area to meet family members if you should get separated

? have an emergency survival kit within easy reach if you need to evacuate your home ? in the trunk of your vehicle is also a good place

? always sleep with bedroom doors closed ? this provides some protection against fire

? keep at least one fire extinguisher within easy reach on each level of your home - know how to use it

? keep doors and windows clear of obstructions for safe, easy exit

? install a smoke detector on every level of your home ? one close to bedroom doors

? test your battery and electric smoke alarms each month

? carefully clean your alarms every 6 months

? charge the alarm battery at least once a year ? twice is better

? replace old alarms that no longer work

? if alarms go off regularly for no apparent reason, consider moving them to a different area ? away from direct heat sources

Be Prepared ? Before Disaster Strikes!