fire safety tips

• Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors - Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside of each sleeping area. Follow the manufacturer's directions, and test once a week. Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector chirps to signal that the battery is dead.
• Space Heaters - Keep portable space heaters at least 4 feet from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding, or anything else that can burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed, and keep children and pets away from them.
• Keep matches in a safe place - Store them up high where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Get down on a the ground - If you must get away from a fire through smoke, get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest safe exit. Clean air can be found a few inches off the ground.
• Have a plan - Create and practice you escape route. Have a second route as a backup. Be sure to have a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. Once you are out, stay out!
• STOP, DROP, AND ROLL - If your clothes catch fire, stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll over and over to smother the flames. Cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs.
• Take care when cooking - Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and don't leave anything unattended. Keep your pot's handles turned inward so children won't knock or pull them over the edge of the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
• Watch your appliances - If an appliance smokes or begins to smell unusual, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Check all your electrical cords, and replace any that are cracked or frayed.
• Candle Safety - Never leave a lit candle unattended in any room of the house and never leave candles burning when you go to bed. Keep lit candles a safe distance from materials such as curtains, drapes, bedding and cabinets.
• Cigarettes and Cigars - Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Be careful to never throw away a lit cigarette or ashes that are still burning.