Fire Prevention Week is Approaching

With Fire Prevention week approaching there is a great deal of reminders old and new.

•CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE; close bedroom doors while sleeping. It can have a profound effect in case of a fire or smoke.

•Buy and Use only certified Battery, Chargers, Cables and associated tools/consumer products. Lithium Ion charging and battery fires are on a significant rise in society. Always charge batteries/phones/etc on a solid surface away from flammable items. Utilize only devices that have a safety certification mark by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) like Underwriters Laboratory.

•Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms: Test monthly, replace batteries twice a year, and replace units every 10 years. Place on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.

•Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Install CO alarms near sleeping areas; know symptoms (headache, dizziness) and never use generators indoors.

•Create a Fire Escape Plan: Draw a home map with two exit routes per room; practice drills twice a year with your family. Designate a safe meeting spot outside.

•Kitchen Safety: Never leave cooking unattended; keep flammable items away from stovetops; turn handles inward to avoid spills.

•Heating and Electrical Precautions: Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything flammable; unplug appliances when not in use; avoid extension cord overloads.

•Candle and Smoking Rules: Extinguish candles before leaving the room; use deep ashtrays for smoking materials and never smoke in bed.

•Stop, Drop, and Roll: Teach this for clothing fires—stop movement, drop to the ground, cover your face, and roll until the flames are out.