Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

Fire safety in the home is taught to our children in elementary school. It is pounded over and over into their heads, even recommended for them to practice fire drills at home. If it's been a while since you've thought about fire safety maybe it's time to take a look at your home.

More fires start in the kitchen than any other room in the hope. There are a few basic things you can do to prevent kitchen fires:

Stay in the kitchen while cooking. A fire started from unattended pots and pans can spread quickly. If you remain in the kitchen at all times while you are cooking you will be able to take evasive action should a fire break out.

Keep all flammable items at least 3 feet away from your range top. Dishtowels, paper towels, plastic bags can catch fire quickly if exposed to the high temperatures of the range. Keep all these type of items a safe distance from the eyes of the stove.

Roll-up sleeves and wear oven mitts while cooking. Loose fitting clothing can catch fire if it is exposed to the heat from stove eyes. Rolling up your sleeves and wearing oven mitts is safer for you as well as helps prevent fires.

Home that are heated by firewood or space heaters are at a greater risk of fire than those using electric or gas heat. Some prevention tips for homes that heat with firewood are:

Store matches and lighters in locked cabinets. Children who find lighters and matches are tempted to play with them. Keep these items locked up and away from children to prevent accidental fires.

Space heaters should be kept away from flammable items. Always turn off these heaters when you leave or are not using them. Never place them within 3 feet of curtains, furniture or any other item that could catch fire.

Check your chimney for obstructions. If necessary, have a qualified service technician perform this check. Clean them as often as needed. Have your fireplace, stove or central furnaces checked at least yearly.

Fires started by cigarettes are very common. Whether someone falls asleep while smoking or is just careless. A little common sense and following some basic rules will aide in preventing fires caused by cigarettes.