Fall Fire Safety
Saturday marked the official beginning of Fall. Even though the temperature suggests otherwise, we’re starting to see the first signs of Autumn with football gearing up and pumpkin spiced lattes brewing at your nearby coffeehouse. Now is the perfect time to ensure your home is Fall Fire safe.
Here are a few Fall Fire Safety tips before experiencing the first cold snap of the season:
Check Smoke Detectors & Fire Extinguishers
- Change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check that all smoke detectors are in working order every month and there are enough.
- Verify that all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working order.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
Make Sure All Heating Sources Work Properly
- No matter what type of device you use to heat your home, ensure your heating devices and/or systems are in good working order.
Space Heater Safety Tips
- Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space.
- Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry.
- Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.
- Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.
- Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.
Halloween Safety Tips
- Use flashlights instead of candles in Halloween jack-o-lanterns.
- Make sure that children’s costumes are made with fire-retardant materials.
Family Fire Safety Tips
- Teach your kids how to respond in the event of a fire.
- Make sure young children know how to dial 911.
- Establish and practice a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.
- Practice stop, drop and roll with your children so they learn how to escape beneath a fire.
- Teach everyone in your family multiple ways to escape from every room in the event of a fire.
- Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by children.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Do not leave candles burning when you go to sleep.
- Make sure all flammable substances are properly stored in safe containers and out of reach of children.
Kitchen Fire Safety
- Don’t leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
- Keep everything that might be flammable away from your stove.
Outdoor Fire Safety
- Clear your roof and gutters of the unnecessary buildup of debris, such as pine needles and leaves.
- Learn the outdoor burning regulations in your area, and do not engage in illegal burning of leaves and other outdoor debris.