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Summer is coming to an end and the heating season, at least here on the East Coast, is not far off.  Along with the need to warm houses and the high costs of heating fuel, there may be a lot more people using alternatives, such as plug-in heaters and kerosene heaters to stay warm. With desperate times call for desperate measures, it is incredibly important for families to brush up on their fire safety tips in order to prevent the devastating loss of property and the invaluable loss of life.

Here are a few reminders of fire safety to keep the upcoming months safe for everyone.

1. Have a Plan – Regardless of how safety conscious you are, things can happen. Perhaps the neighbor’s house catches fire and you are trapped. You can not predict what will happen. It is essential not only to have a plan of escape but to also ensure your entire family understands what it is and how it works. Practice fire drills with every member of the household on a regular basis.

2. Install/Upgrade Smoke Detectors – Many families have smoke detectors installed in their homes. It’s always been a rule of thumb to change batteries during the time changes that occur during daylight savings timelines. However, just because the batteries are new doesn’t mean the contraption works. Perform a monthly test on all of the smoke detectors throughout the home and make sure you have an adequate amount of work detectors in your home.

           Recommendations for Smoke Detector Placement

  • Outside each bedroom door, especially in a home with a large upstairs. In the event of a fire, all occupants of the home who are sleeping should be  able to hear the alarm loud and clear.
  • At least one alarm on every level of the home, including the basement and  the attic. Again, placement and amount should depend on how well people  can hear the warning.
  • For extra protection, install a carbon monoxide detector in the home as well.

3. Install/Upgrade Fire Extinguisher – Fire extinguishers do not last forever. They need to be inspected regularly and recharged if needed by a professional service. Extinguishers should be kept in an area where they are easily accessible and in areas, like the kitchen where it may be needed most often.

4. Check Electrical Systems – Fires around the holiday season are often sparked by overloaded outlets. If you use extension cords or outlet strips, it will be worth the investment to have a professional install new outlets to accommodate your needs. Do not run any cords under the carpeting. If a fuse is prone to blowing out, getting it checked out by an electrician.

5. Careful Smoking – If you must smoke, do it outside and make sure your cigarette is out completely before leaving it. Keep trash out of ashtrays. Never leave a burning cigarette unattended. Keep your lighters and your matches away from children of any age.

6. Candles – Candles are an increasingly popular way to create a pleasant atmosphere in your home. However, a candle left unattended can cause a lot of problems, especially with children in the home. Candles that are burning should be kept out of the way of children and high traffic areas in the home where they can be knocked over onto the floor.

7. Maintain Proper Insurance – In the event something does happen to cause a fire, having the proper insurance and paying the premium on time is important if you expect to fall back on the insurance in the event of an emergency.



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