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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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