Home Fire Safety Survey
Exterior
- House numbers are clearly displayed and visible from the street in accordance with the Frederick County Addressing ordinance.
- Trim trees away from electrical wires.
- Keep trash to a minimum.
- Make sure emergency personnel can access every room in you home.
Heating Equipment and Fireplace
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from all combustibles.
- Replace furnace filters regularly.
- Clean lint from behind clothes dryer.
- Install spark screen in front of the fireplace.
- Have chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
- Dispose of ashes in metal containers away from your home.
- Keep newspapers, clothes, clutter, and other combustibles away from the furnace and water heater.
Electrical
- Avoid overloading electrical circuits and outlets.
- Inspect electrical cords and appliances for damage.
- Do not tack cords to the wall or run them under rugs.
- Maintain air space around electrical equipment such as TV’s, VCR, stereo, etc.
- Install additional outlets by a qualified electrician to avoid using multi-plug adapters and extension cords.
- If you use extension cords, make sure they are listed and are of the proper size for the equipment being used.
Flammable Liquids and Hazardous Materials
- Limit the amount of chemicals stored.
- Dispose of and recycle household hazardous materials properly.
- Store hazardous materials in proper containers with tight-fitting lids and correct identification labels.
- Store hazardous materials away from heat sources.
- Allow for proper ventilation when using flammable liquids and hazardous materials.
- Put oily rags in metal containers with tight-fitting lids, not in a pile where they can spontaneously ignite.
Cooking
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Cuff sleeves and turn pot handles inward when cooking to avoid burn injuries.
- Never store combustibles in oven or on top of stove.
- When barbequing, move unit away from the home.
- Dispose of coals/ashes in metal containers and away from the home.
Smoking Materials and Candles
- Never leave cigarettes or candles unattended.
- Purchase and use ashtrays that have the center support feature.
- Empty ashtrays into noncombustible containers only.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Place candles in noncombustible, sturdy holders.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Smoke Alarms
- Install smoke alarms inside and outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home.
- Test smoke alarms once a month.
- Unless you have an extended life/sealed battery, replace batteries in all smoke alarms when you change the time on your clocks twice a year.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Fire Extinguishers
- Purchase a multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher.
- Teach your family how to use a fire extinguisher (Use PASS—Pull the Pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
- Inspect extinguishers annually.
Develop and Practice a Home Escape Plan
- Develop a home escape plan that includes:
- Crawling low under smoke
- Two exits out of your home
- A meeting place outside
- Practice escape plan at least every six months with every member.
Teach all family members how to:
- Dial 9-1-1- in an emergency
- Stop, Drop and Roll if clothes catch fire
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