National Fire Prevention Week is celebrated annually, this year from Oct. 7-13, and now is a great time to review fire safety tips with all the members of your family.
Here are some basic tips that every family should keep in mind:
- Check to make sure your smoke detectors are working. A good rule is to change the batteries in them when you change your clocks twice each year.
- Have a fire extinguisher in your house - and know how to use it.
- Plan a central meeting point outside your house where everyone will go in case of emergency - and practice using it.
- Check electrical appliances for frayed cords, and outlets/extension cords for overloading.
- Keep all items that get hot (lamps, candles, lights) away from beds and furniture that could catch fire.
- Ask a certified electrician for help on home projects to ensure proper wiring.
- Use extreme caution with electric blankets and space heaters.
For families with young children:
- Ask about Tot Finder stickers that can be applied to be the windows of your children's bedrooms.
- Keep outlets that are not in use covered with plastic safety plugs.
- Teach them how to Stop, Drop and Roll.
- Keep matches, lighters and similar items stowed away and out of the reach of children.
- Contact your local fire station to see if you can visit and have a firefighter talk fire safety with your kids.
Learn more about fire prevention on the National Fire Prevention Association website, which includes a special section just for kids!
