The United States has one of the highest fire death and injury rates in the world. Fire -- in the form of flames and smoke -- is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home.
- When cooking on the stove, always turn the pot handles towards the back and away from the edge of the stove.
- Never cook with loose-fitting clothing. They can catch on fire.
- Always use a hot pad or mitt.
- Provide good lighting near your stove.
- Avoid kitchen fires by cleaning your stove exhaust hood and utensils regularly to eliminate grease build-up.
- Store flammable and combustible items away from the range and oven.
- If you have windows near your stove, use fireproof curtains.
- Make sure towels, napkins, curtains and other objects that might catch fire are located away from the stove.
- Don't allow appliance cords to dangle over the edge of counter tops or tables. You may inadvertently catch them.
- Never overload electrical outlets. When an appliance isn't in use, unplug it.
- Install a smoke detector in your kitchen.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, and make sure you know how to use it.
- Avoid using extension cords with electric heaters unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord with your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself. Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs. Do not place anything on top of the cord.
- Operate heaters away from combustible materials.
- If you or a loved one smokes always check to see that cigarettes are extinguished before emptying ashtrays. Stubs that are still burning can ignite trash.
- Always check the furniture where smokers have been sitting for improperly discarded smoking materials. Ashes and lighted cigarettes can fall unnoticed behind or between cushions or under furniture.
- DO NOT smoke in bed. Smoking in bed is a major cause of accidental fire deaths in homes.
- Take extra precautions in storing and using flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint thinners, etc. They produce invisible explosive vapors that can ignite by a small spark at considerable distances from the flammable substance. Store outside the house.
- Purchase and install a smoke detector(s)if you do not have one. Replace the battery annually, or when a "chirping" sound is heard. As a minimum detectors should be located near bedrooms and one on every floor.
- Establish a plan for escape in case of fire.
