Is Your Home Fire Safe?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Is your home fire safe?

The American Red Cross is a great resource to help ensure you and your home are safe. Below is their Home Fire Safety Checklist. Take a moment to read through the list and see if there is anything that could be done differently at your home to make it safer.

• “Keep an eye on what you fry.” Whenever you are cooking or using an open flame it is important to never leave it unattended.
• “3 feet from the heat” is the golden rule for heating safely. Anything that could catch fire, such as furniture, towels and curtains, should be kept at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Plug appliances, both large and small, directly into wall outlets.
• Keep matches, lighters and fire starters locked away from children who tend to be curious and may not understand the risks.
• Regularly check that your smoke alarms are functioning properly. It is recommended to swap out the batteries every year (unless the alarm has a long-life battery). Also, it is recommended to replace smoke detectors about every ten years.
• Different types of smoke alarms detect fire in different ways. Experts recommend utilizing both types in your home.
• Having a sprinkler system working in combination with smoke alarms is another safety measure that can help save lives.
• Have a home fire escape plan and practice at least twice a year with all your family members.

For more information, visit the American Red Cross’s website: redcross.org

If you ever experience a fire at you home or business, call us anytime at (800) 352-7251.