Fire Prevention and Safety Information

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

A lit candle and readily combustible materials, such as cloth, paper, and (certain) plastics are not good mixes and can lead to dire consequences.

Kitchen Fire While Cooking

• Never use water on a grease fire! Salt or baking soda can be used to extinguish a fire. Also, smother a fire in a pan by putting a lid on it.
• Do not leave food cooking unattended.
• Pay special attention to hot grease or oil.
• Always supervise children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure that it shows “A, B, or C.”

Wood, Coal, and Pellet Stoves or Fireplace Inserts

• Ensure that your stove or insert has a “UL” label on it.
• Ensure that your stove was installed properly by a contractor according to NFPA standards for proper clearances, floor covering, wall covering, flue, and chimney.
• Ensure that your chimney is cleaned regularly especially at the beginning of the season.
• Never use homemade stoves, which are a common cause of fires.
• Do not install or use stoves in a garage, because they can contact combustible materials more readily.

Candles and Potpourri Burners

• Burn candles and potpourri only when you are in the room.
• Keep open flames away from curtains and other combustible materials.

Outside Burning and Bonfires

• Do not start open fires when ground and surrounding vegetation is dry.
• Do not burn when winds are stronger than a gentle breeze.
• Always have a strong water source ready in case a fire begins to get out of control.
• Stay with the fire at all times.
• Rake through the ashes to ensure that all coals are cooled when finished.

Other Considerations

• Ensure that all outside antennas are properly grounded.
• Install lightning rods to reduce the possibility of fire by lightning strike.
• Ensure that your home’s wiring is updated and adequate to handle electrical loads.
• Do not overload circuits. Breakers trip and fuses blow when overloaded.
• If you have an older heating system, then get it checked by a professional for safety.