Older Homes:

• Check the wiring in your house, apartment or mobile home. If it is very old, damaged, or wired incorrectly it can cause a fire
• Outlets should accommodate 3-prong ground plugs without the use of an adapter
• Wire connections should be made tightly with UL-approved wire connectors
• Fuse boxes or breaker panels should be clean and easily accessible
• Basements are NOT fireproof

Space Heaters:

• Space heaters are intended for short-term supplemental heat in areas where people are working or playing
• If you must use a space heater, use a quality heater
• Make sure that the heater has a thermostat that will turn it off once the area is warm and that is has an emergency shut off that will turn it off if it tips over
• Keep the heater at least 3-feet away from any other objects
• NEVER use a space heater to dry clothing. NEVER allow anyone to hang clothing over a space heater
• Avoid using extension cords with space heaters
• Keep the power cord away from traffic paths

Candles:

• Blow out burning candles before leaving the room. NEVER leave unattended
• Place all burning candles on a solid, non-combustible surface, well away from curtains, open window and combustible decorations

Smoking:

• Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash
• If you smoke, smoke outside
• Wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays

Purchasing and Installing Fire Safety Equipment:

Get smoke alarms that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. They are called “Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms.”

Parties:

• Assign a non impaired event monitor
• Clean up immediately after parties and take all the trash outside