Home Safety Tips

Are your electrical appliances in good condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs? Are your outlets overloaded? Are you overusing an extension cord? Do the light fixtures in your home use bulbs of the correct wattage? Does your home contain GFCIs and/or AFCIs, which prevent electrical shock and fire by shutting off faulty circuits? Unless you're a trained electrician, be careful about do-it-yourself electrical projects — many home fires are caused by improper installation of electrical devices.

• Replace or professionally repair any appliances that spark, smell unusual, or overheat
• Don't run electrical wires under rugs
• Make sure lamps and nightlights are not touching bedspreads, drapes, or other fabrics
• Use caution when using electric blankets
• Cover unused outlets with plastic safety covers if you have young children

The number of residential fires always goes up during colder months, peaking between December and February. Portable space heaters substantially contribute to this increase. Before plugging in your space heater, make sure you know how to use it safely.

• Carefully read the directions for your heater's use
• Never place a space heater where a child or pet could accidentally knock it over
• Never place a space heater too close to a bed, especially a child's bed
• Keep newspapers, magazines, curtains, and bedding away from space heaters and fireplaces
• Heaters should be at least 3 feet from anything flammable

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. Always supervise kids while cooking and practice safe habits — turn all pot handles in so they can't be knocked over, and avoid loose-fitting clothing around the stove.

• Never leave food unsupervised on a stove, oven, or microwave
• Clean up grease spills promptly
• Keep dish towels away from burners
• Never leave a toaster or coffee pot unattended

Fireplaces should be kept clean and covered with a screen to keep sparks from jumping out. Only wood should be burned — paper and other materials can escape while burning and ignite nearby items. Never leave a fire burning unattended, and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed. Have the chimney professionally cleaned once a year.

According to the NFPA, cigarettes are the number one cause of fire deaths in the United States and Canada, killing about 1,000 people per year. Most fires are started when ashes or butts fall into couches and chairs. If you smoke, be especially careful around upholstered furniture, never smoke in bed, and be sure cigarettes are completely out before tossing them in the trash.

Playing with matches is still the leading cause of fire-related deaths and injuries for kids younger than 5. Always keep matches and lighters out of children's reach. Store flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, and cleaning supplies outside of your home and away from kids.

Keep lit candles out of reach of kids and pets, away from curtains and furniture, and extinguish them before going to bed. Make sure candles are in sturdy, non-flammable holders that won't tip over. Don't let older kids and teens use candles unsupervised in their rooms.

Having a smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half. Almost 60% of all fatal residential fires occur in homes without smoke alarms — this may be the single most important thing you can do to keep your family safe.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each bedroom
• Choose alarms with a 10-year lithium battery when possible; otherwise replace batteries every year
• Test your smoke alarms monthly
• Place detectors on ceilings or high on walls — smoke rises
• Add a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home

Have fire extinguishers strategically placed around your house — at least one on each floor, in the kitchen (all-purpose), the basement, the garage, and workshop areas. Keep them out of reach of children. Remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever slowly, Sweep the nozzle side to side.

• Fire extinguishers are best used when a fire is contained in a small area and the fire department has already been called
• Check extinguisher gauges regularly to ensure they are still functional
• If in doubt, leave the house immediately and call the fire department

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by wood- or gas-fueled appliances that don't burn properly. It can also come from charcoal grills, automobiles, and fireplaces. Install CO detectors near bedrooms and sleeping areas.

• Never run a car in the garage, even with the door open
• Never heat your home with a range or oven
• Use charcoal grills outdoors only
• Have the heating system and chimney checked by a professional every year
• If the CO alarm goes off and people feel ill, get out immediately and call 911