Fire Prevention Tips

Fireplaces and Woodstoves:                               

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris and flammable materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces.  Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
• Never restrict air supply to fireplaces.  This may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or woodstove. 
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended.  Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving home.

Cooking:                                     

• Do not leave anything you are cooking unattended.
• If you have young children or pets, use the stove's back burners and turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk that pots will be knocked over.
• Keep pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stove top.
• Clean up grease and food from burners and the stove top.
• Use only microwave-safe containers to heat food in the microwave.
• Never use an extension cord for the microwave as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
• Never use aluminum foil or metal objects in the microwave.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of a fire.

Furnaces and Dryers:                          

• Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment and your dryer.
• After every load clean the dryer lint trap.
• Combustible such as clothing, boxes, and other items should not be placed around a dryer, a heater, or a water heater.
• Have a qualified person perform an annual maintenance checkup on your furnace and gas appliances to make sure heat exchangers are not cracked, burners are burning properly and flue pipes (vents) are functioning to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home. 

Smoke Detectors:                          

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. 
• Test smoke detectors monthly.
• Change the batteries at least once a year.

Electrical:                                  

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring for frayed wires. Replace worn or frayed cords/wires.
• Never overload extension cords or wall sockets.

Home Escape Plans:                       

• Make a family escape plan.
• Identify two escape routes out of each room, if possible.
• Make sure furniture and other items aren't blocking doors or windows.
• Never nail or paint windows shut.
• Choose an outside meeting place.
• Practice your escape plan twice a year.

General:                        

• Give space heaters space - keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from everything.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.