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Fire Safety

Submitted by Lorene Bartos, UNL Extension Educator

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Have you had a practice fire drill with your family? Every 60 seconds a house burns and every 24 hours 10 people die in residential fires. Recent house fires bring to mind the importance of taking preventive measures to help stop a fire before it starts. Plan a fire drill for your family and be prepared.

Fire safety suggestions include:

Install smoke detectors on each occupied floor including the basement and within 15 feet of each sleeping room. Check the detector once a month and change the battery in battery-powered detectors yearly.

Keep matches, lighters and all flammables out of the reach of children.

Reduce Clutter. Do not let old papers and trash gather in closets, attic, basement, garage or under the basement stairs.

Use flammables outside. Do not use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquids indoors.

Do not overload circuits or sockets. Never use more than one high-wattage appliance on a circuit at a time. Avoid multiple attachment plugs.

Use listed appliances. Make sure your electrical appliances bear the seal of the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL).

Examine electrical cords. Do not let electrical cords for items such as appliances or lamps get wet. Check all cords for breaks and frayed ends.

Do not let rags collect. Keep oily, greasy or paint rags in closed metal containers until disposed of properly. Do not keep them in the house. Guard against spontaneous combustion.

Use flashlights instead of flames. Never use matches or candles to light the way in the attic, closets or basements.

Always burn candles in a safe place and in the appropriate holders. Always extinguish before leaving the house or going to bed.

Do not hide extension cords. Extension cords should be in good condition and out in the open rather than under rugs, over hooks, etc.

Inspect furnaces and heating appliances annually. Do not overlook the heating system, wood burning stoves or your chimney. Have them inspected yearly. Improperly installed or maintained equipment can cause fires.

Ventilate electronic equipment. Make sure there is ample air circulation around TV sets, VCRs, stereos and radios.

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.

Cook with care. Keep an eye on the stove while broiling or frying. Never put water on a grease fire; it spreads the flame. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or cover the fire with a pan lid.

Learn how to use fire extinguishers. Equip your home with an all-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. Show everyone how to use them properly. Have a fire extinguisher available in the kitchen.

Dispose of ashes and embers properly. Leave ashes and embers in the appliance for several hours to let them cool. When cool remove with a metal scoop. Place in a metal container with a lid not a cardboard box or with other trash. Store outside away from the house until properly disposed.

Keep important numbers visible. Post the fire department and local emergency numbers near all phones.

During the holidays take extra precautions with trees, lights, candles, decorations and while cooking. Keep a eye out in the neighborhood to ensure a safe holiday season.

Following these simple suggestions can save your home and your family’s life. Fire safety is important take the time to check your home today.