Home Fire Safety

Follow these guidelines so you do not become a fire statistic!
Electrical
  • Replace frayed and damaged wires
  • Do not overload the circuits
  • Place outlet covers to prevent children from sticking things into them
Evacuation Plans
  • Implement one in your home
  • Practice it regularly
  • Always have two ways out
Fire
  • If the fire is small, remember to PASS and use an extinguisher
  • If it does not work or you do not have an extinguisher, get out and call 911
  • Stay low to the ground away from smoke
  • Always have two ways out
  • Get to your meeting place once you get outside
  • Once you get out, stay out
  • Account for everyone in your home at the time
  • Call 911
Heating
  • Make sure that if you have space heaters that they are placed at least 3 feet from anything that can easily burn
  • Have your fireplace inspected at least once a year to clean out the debris
  • Do not take the ashes out of the fireplace until they have cooled. Then you need to place them in a metal container outside and as far from things that can ignite (i.e. home, shed and trees)
Kitchen
  • Watch your food, do not leave it unattended
  • Make sure that your pot handles are turned inward
  • Smother a grease fire, do not put water on it
  • Wear tight fitted sleeves, if your clothes catch on fire stop, drop and roll
  • Maintain your stove - keep it clear of grease and clutter
  • Never use your stove as a heating device
Miscellaneous
  • Keep all doorways, hallways and stairs free from clutter
  • Keep all your flammable items such as paint, varnish, gas and others stored in a sturdy metal cabinet
  • You should have at least 1 fire extinguisher in your home
  • Per Illinois state law there should be an approved carbon monoxide detector in your home that is placed within every 15 feet of every sleeping area
  • Always place candlesticks into candle holders and extinguish the flames before leaving the room, home or going to bed
Smoke Detectors
  • Have at least one on every level of your home
  • Check them monthly and vacuum out the dust
  • When you change your clocks, change your batteries
Smoking
  • Do not smoke while in bed, drowsy or on medication
  • Keep deep and sturdy ash trays in your home
  • Wait for the ashes to cool before discarding them in the garbage
  • Always check furniture for loose ashes because they too can start a fire