Fire Prevention and Safety

 Home fires are a serious. An estimated 3,500 Americans die as a result of fires every year. There are approximately another 18,300 injuries every year as a result of fires. This is not taking into acount the number of lost homes and cost of property damage.

The solution is fire prevention and preparedness.

By taking a few precautions, it's possible to reduce the chances of being a home fire victim.

The following is a short list of fire prevention steps.

• Never overload circuits or extension cords. Always replace any old or frayed electrical wires and appliance cords. Watch appliances for signs or wear and damage, including sparking or strange noises, have them repaired or replaced.
• Cover unused outlets with safety caps, particularly if small children are present.
• Follow manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures for portable heaters. Make sure they have enough space and that all combustibles are kept at least three feet away. Never use camp stoves to heat a room.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Use candles in a safe location, away from combustible materials. Make sure they are in a place where won’t be tipped over. Keep all matches and lighters stored where they cannot be accessed by children. Make sure chimneys are cleaned annually
• Store any flammable liquids, such as gasoline or paint thinner, outside of the home.

 These steps will help prevent home fires from starting. Read this article on fire prevention and safety for more in depth information.