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CONSULT YOUR LOCAL FIREFIGHTER: Fire departments have inspection
programs. Check with them for advice placing smoke alarms, fire
extinguishers, and devising emergency escape plans.
CLEAN HOUSE: Do not let papers and trash gather in closets,
attic, basement, garage or under the basement stairs. Throw rubbish out
regularly.
USE FLAMMABLES OUTSIDE: Do not use gasoline, kerosene or other
flammable liquids indoors.
DO NOT LET RAGS COLLECT: Keep oily greasy or paint smeared
rags in closed metal containers outside of house.
USE FLASHLIGHTS INSTEAD OF FLAMES: Never use matches or
candles to light the way.
HAVE FAMILY FIRE EXIT DRILLS: Plan in advance what escape
routes to use and designate a meeting place. Have an alternate route
planned in case flames block your way.
INSTALL SMOKE DETECTORS, in each occupied floor including
basement and within fifteen feet of each sleeping room. Check detectors
once a month.
KEEP FIRE LADDERS HANDY, near windows of upstairs bedrooms.
DO NOT HIDE EXTENSION CORDS: Cords should be in good condition
and out in the open and not under rugs, over hooks or through door
openings. Examine electrical cords. Do not let cords get wet. Keep kinks
out and use a heavy-duty cords.
SAFEGUARD YOUR CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACE AND INSPECT FURNACES AND
HEATING APPLIANCE ANNUALLY: Do not overlook the heating system, wood
burning stoves or your chimney. Use a rain cap with metal screen to
catch sparks from the chimney. They should be checked before the heating
season for obstructions, deterioration, and/or creosote build-up.
KEEP IMPORTANT NUMBERS VISIBLE: Post your fire department and
local emergency telephone numbers near all phones.
DO NOT OVERLOAD CIRCUITS OR SOCKETS: Never use more than one
high wattage appliance on a circuit at a time. Use surge protection
outlet bars on sensitive electronic equipment.
DO NOT SMOKE IN BED: Careless smoking is the cause of more
than half of home fires. After entertaining, check all upholstered
furniture and garbage containers before going to bed.
USE LISTED APPLIANCES: Make sure your electrical appliances
bear the seal of the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL).
COOK WITH CARE: Keep an eye on the stove while broiling or
frying. Never put water on a grease fire, never carry a burning pan. Use
dry chemical fire extinguisher or cover the fire with the pan lid.
LEARN HOW TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: Equip your home with 2
1/2 pound all purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers, make sure there
is one in the kitchen.
KEEP PROPER FUSES HANDY: Do not replace blown fuses with
pennies, wire or anything other than a new fuse. Do not overload
circuits.
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