Smoke Detectors:
Smoke detector batteries should be replaced once a year.
Smoke detectors are inexpensive devices that save many lives. Current fire codes require a smoke detector in every bedroom and in common areas. Many older or retrofitted smoke detectors are not wired to the home’s electrical circuits and operate by self contained batteries. Replace the batteries at least once a year or when the unit is “chirping” to indicate low battery power.
Heating System:
Heat your home safely by following these tips concerning woodstoves, fireplaces and portable heaters.
Install according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Never use a flammable liquid such as gasoline to start a fire in a woodstove or fireplace.
Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from escaping.
Keep flammable materials off the mantle and at least three feet away from woodstoves, fireplaces and heaters.
Never burn charcoal indoors.
If you use synthetic logs, follow the directions carefully.
Do not use excessive amounts of paper to start your fire. Do not burn colored paper, which can accelerate creosote buildup and increase the likelihood of a chimney fire.
Burning wood slowly for long periods of time contributes to soot and creosote buildup. Allowing the wood to burn rapidly for 10 to 15 minutes several times a week will help reduce a creosote buildup. Use dry wood for more efficient burning.
Never close the damper of a hot fireplace. A closed damper may cause the fire to heat up again, forcing toxic carbon monoxide into the home.
Properly dispose of fireplace ashes by keeping them in a metal ash can for a minimum of 7 days before disposing of them or transferring them to another container.
Be sure kerosene or other fuel-fired heaters are approved by an independent testing laboratory. Heaters should turn off if tipped over accidentally. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using these devices.
Use only the fuels specified by the manufacturer for each particular heating appliance. Refuel heaters outdoors.
Keep children away from heaters.
A red stovepipe, roaring/sucking sounds, shaking stovepipes and flames coming out of the chimney are all indicators of a chimney fire. Call the fire department at once! Close the drafts and make sure everyone leaves the house until the fire department arrives. After a chimney fire, have your chimney, stove or fireplace checked by a professional.
Candle Safety:
Candles should be extinguished with a snuffer.
Proper candle safety can help prevent the bulk of candle fire incidents. Candles are a safe product, but can become hazardous when used improperly or in an unsafe manner. The National Candle Association recommends the following safety tips when burning candles:
Always keep a burning candle within sight.
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
Before burning, trim wicks to ¼-inch.
Always use a heat resistant, sturdy candleholder that is large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents.
Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
Do not burn the candle for longer than recommended.
Extinguish the flame when 2 inches of wax remains or ½-inch if in a container.
The safest way to extinguish a candle is to use a candle snuffer, which helps prevent hot wax from spattering.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to determine dangerous levels of the gas.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors are the only way to alert people to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide before tragedy strikes. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion from gas appliances or automobiles. Dangerous amounts of CO can accumulate when the fuel is not burned properly or when rooms are poorly ventilated and the CO is unable to escape. Because CO is odorless and tasteless, it is know as the silent killer. The symptoms of CO poisoning can range from a slight headache to dizziness, nausea, convulsions or even DEATH. Persons suffering from heart or respiratory health problems, infants, small children, expectant mothers, their unborn children and pets can be affected by CO poisoning more quickly. Only use detectors which are officially approved and are clearly marked with the American Standard – UL2034 symbol.
Sprinkler System:
A sprinkler system installed inside the home can provide effective fire protection. It will operate automatically and can extinguish a fire while you are asleep or away from home. Be sure your home sprinkler system is installed by a contractor licensed by the State Fire Marshal or State Contractor’s Licensing Board.
Portable Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are rated “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” based on the type of fire they can extinguish.
Portable fire extinguishers enable you to quickly respond to a fire. Extinguishers are rated by the type of fire they can effectively extinguish:
“A” – wood or cloth fires
“B” - flammable liquid fires
“C” – electrical fires
“D” –flammable metal fires
Be sure all family members can properly operate the extinguisher and know its location. The term P-A-S-S will help you remember the right way to use the extinguisher.
Pull the safety pin
Aim the extinguisher
Squeeze the trigger
Sweep the extinguisher at the base of the fire
The extinguisher should receive annual maintenance and be recharged after each use.
Flammable Paint and Stain Products:
Paint and stain products can become a hazardous material when stored or disposed of improperly. All such products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from any heat source. The following disposal guidelines are general. Contact the local Fire Marshal for specific requirements in your area.
Paint brush cleaner and paint thinner: These products are flammable and toxic. They should be reused or saved for collection by a hazardous waste facility. Rollers, rags, brushes and other materials used during application can spontaneously catch fire if not disposed of properly. Follow the manufacturer’s labeled directions for cleanup and disposal.
Latex Paint: This water-based paint is toxic and should only be placed in the trash if hardened.
Oil Paint: Oil paint is a solvent-based product and is flammable and toxic. It should be saved for collection by a hazardous waste facility or placed in the trash if hardened. Contact the local Fire Marshal. Rollers, rags, brushes and other materials used during application can spontaneously catch fire if not disposed of properly. Follow the manufacturer’s labeled directions for cleanup and disposal.
Stain and Varnish: These types of products are flammable and toxic and should be saved for collection by a hazardous waste facility.
Wood Preservative: This product is flammable and toxic and should be saved for collection by a hazardous waste facility.
