HAZARDS IN THE HOME

Electrical Hazards

·        Overloaded electrical wiring, extension cords, circuits, or fuses

·        Fuse or circuit breaker that repeatedly trips or blows

·        Door cover missing from circuit breaker box

·        Combustible or flammable materials less than 3 feet from breaker box

·        Appliances exceed capacity of circuit breaker or fuse

NEVER do electrical work yourself. Hire an electrician.

Extension cords are for temporary use only.

Only use properly rated extension cords.

If a cord is hot to the touch, unplug it immediately.

NEVER run an extension cord under a rug, over nails, or through door openings.

NEVER use an extension cord or appliance whose cord is worn, frayed, or damaged.

If you must add more outlets, purchase a power strip with surge protection.

Heating Hazards

·        Improper use of portable space heater

·        Improper use of oven or stove

·        Materials less than 3 feet from space heater, furnace, or water heater

·        Improper use of fuel for fuel fired heaters

Portable space heaters are a serious fire hazard.

Move the heater a minimum of 3 feet (1 yard) from furniture, drapes, curtains, bedding, clothing, toys, etc.

Turn off and unplug heater before going to bed or leaving the house.

Never use the stove or oven to heat a room.

Have a screen on your fireplace or wood stove.

Have your chimney cleaned once a year.

Life Safety Actions

·        Install smoke alarms on every level of the house near sleeping areas

·        Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at daylight savings time change.

·        Discuss an escape plan with your family and practice.

·        Have TWO ways out of every room and a place outside for EVERYONE to meet.

·        Make sure burglar bars can be opened from inside your home.

·        When there’s a fire, GET OUT and STAY OUT, CALL 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s home, GO to your meeting place.

IF YOU NEED A SMOKE ALARM CALL 817-871-6862!!