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Home
Fire Safety
Remember to check your
smoke detector batteries monthly, and change the batteries twice a year. |
The
Fire Marshal's office has a limited supply of smoke detectors to be distributed
free of charge to local residents. Please contact the Office of the Fire
Marshal at 448-1384 to request one for your home. |
Change your clock-change
your batteries! |
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Fire
Safety Checklists
Click on the
link to go to the corresponding section. Click on the helmet to expand the
list for links to specific topics. Click on "(back to top)" to return to
the Contents List.
Introduction
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.
More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires.
Every year, there are more than 500,000 residential fires serious enough to be
reported to fire departments. More than 90 percent of residential fire deaths
and injuries result from fires in one and two family houses and apartments.
Property losses exceed 4 billion dollars annually, and the long term emotional
damage to victims and their loved ones is incalculable.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
has targeted the principal consumer products associated with fires, namely home
heating devices, upholstered furniture, bedding, cigarette lighters, matches,
and wearing apparel. The Commission is participating in a special
Congressionally authorized study of cigarette-ignited fires, which cause more
deaths than any other kind of fire. The Commission continues to push for
extensive use of smoke detectors. With the help of concerned consumers, the
number or residential fires has declined about 30 percent since 1980.
The CPSC is fulfilling its role to make products
inherently more fire safe and recognizes that much more can be done to cut down
on the needlessly high and tragic fire toll by an alert and informed public.
Many of the injuries associated with flammable products result from hazards that
are overlooked. Fire experts agree that one key to fewer fires is a greater
awareness of how accidents can be prevented. By spotting these hazards and
taking some simple precautions, many fires and fire-related injuries can be
prevented.
Use this checklist as a safety guide to spot
possible fire safety problems which may be present in your home. It is a first
step in reducing the risk of fire. Answer YES or NO to answer each question. If
you answer NO to any question, the potential hazard should be corrected to avoid
the risk of injury or death.
How safe is your home from fire?
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!
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Sources of Fire
Supplemental Home Heating
The use of supplemental room heaters, such as wood
and coal burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters and electrical
heaters, has decreased, along with the number of residential fires.
Even though there has been a decrease in fires
associated with supplemental heaters, it is important to remember that about
120,000 residential fires still occur annually with the use of these heaters, or
about 22 percent of all residential fires. These fires kill more than 600
people. Annually there are thousands of contact burn injuries and hundreds of
carbon monoxide poisonings.
Wood Stoves
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
The wood stove or fireplace has been installed
according to existing building codes and manufacturer's instructions. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
The chimney and stovepipe are checked
frequently during the heating season for creosote buildup and are cleaned
when necessary. |
___ |
___ |
3. |
The stove sits on a non-combustible or on a
code-specified or listed floor protector. |
___ |
___ |
4. |
Combustibles such as curtains, chairs,
firewood, etc., are at least three feet away from the stove. |
___ |
___ |
5. |
Only proper fuel is used in the stove. |
___ |
___ |
6. |
A metal container with a tight-fitting lid is
used for ash removal. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEwoodstove.gif)
Recommendations:
- Do not use wood burning stoves and fireplaces
unless they are properly installed and meet building codes.
- Follow the label instructions on the stove which
recommends an inspection twice monthly. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned by
a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of wood
burning stoves. Creosote builds up in chimney flues and can cause a chimney
fire. To cut down on creosote buildup, avoid smoldering fires.
- Use a code-specified or listed floor protector.
It should extend 18 inches beyond the stove on all sides. This will reduce the
possibility of the floor being ignited.
- Follow the instructions on the stove label for
proper location of the stove from combustible walls.
- Never burn trash in a stove because this could
over heat the stove. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used
to start wood stove fires. Gasoline will ignite and explode. Use coal only if
designated as appropriate by the manufacturer.
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Kerosene Heaters
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
Only 1-K kerosene is used and it is bought from
a dealer who can certify that the product is 1-K kerosene. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
The heater is placed out of the path of traffic
areas such as doorways and hallways. |
___ |
___ |
3. |
Kerosene is stored outdoors, and out of the
reach of children in a tightly sealed, preferably blue plastic or metal
container, labeled "kerosene." |
___ |
___ |
4. |
No attempt is to be made to move the heater if
flare-up (flames outside the heater cabinet) occurs. The fire department is
called immediately. |
___ |
___ |
5. |
The heater is used in well ventilated rooms. |
___ |
___ |
6. |
The heater is turned off while sleeping and is
never left operating unattended. |
___ |
___ |
7. |
The heater is placed at least three feet away
from anything that might catch fire such as clothing, furniture, curtains,
etc. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEkerosene.gif)
Recommendations:
- Check with your local fire marshal regarding
local and state codes and regulations for using a kerosene heater.
- NEVER USE GASOLINE. Even small amounts of
gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.
- Use properly labeled containers. It reduces the
likelihood of mistaking gasoline for kerosene.
- Place heater so it will not be knocked over or
trap you in case of fire.
- Use l-K kerosene because grades other than l-K
contain much more sulfur and will increase sulfur dioxide emissions, posing a
possible health problem. If you buy kerosene from a gasoline station make sure
you and/or the attendant are using the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.
- Never fill the heater while it is operating.
Always refuel the heater outdoors to prevent spillage on floors and rugs which
could later result in fire ignition.
- Keep the room in which the heater operates
ventilated (e.g. door open or the window ajar). This will prevent an indoor
air pollution problem and minimize health problems. Kerosene heaters are not
usually vented.
- Keep flammable liquids and fabrics away from an
open flame.
- Never try to move the heater or try to smother
the flames with a rug or a blanket if a flare-up occurs. Activate the manual
shut-off switch and call the fire department. Moving the heater may increase
the height of the flames and cause leakage resulting in personal injury.
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Gas-Fired Space Heaters
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
Only vented heaters are installed or used in
sleeping quarters. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
Vented heaters are properly vented to the
outside. |
___ |
___ |
3. |
The unvented gas-fired room heater has a
warning label and instructions that are followed. |
___ |
___ |
4. |
The unvented gas-fired room heater has a label
stating it has a "pilot safety system", which turns off the gas if not
enough fresh air is available. |
___ |
___ |
5. |
The vented heater has a label stating that it
is equipped with a vent safety shutoff system. |
___ |
___ |
6. |
If the heater uses liquefied petroleum (LP)
gas, the container is located outside the house. |
___ |
___ |
7. |
The manufacturer's instructions for lighting
the pilot are followed. |
___ |
___ |
8. |
Matches are lighted before turning on the gas
if pilot lighting is required. |
___ |
___ |
9. |
Flammable materials and liquids are kept away
from gas heating appliances. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEgas%20space.gif)
Recommendations:
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding
where and how to use gas space heaters. Unvented heaters should not be used in
small enclosed areas, especially bedrooms because of the potential for carbon
monoxide poisoning.
- Do not use a propane heater (LP) which has a gas
cylinder stored in the body of the heater. Its use is prohibited in most
states and localities in the United States.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
lighting the pilot. Gas vapors may accumulate and ignite explosively, burning
your hand or face.
- Light matches, if needed for lighting the pilot,
before turning on the gas to prevent gas buildup.
- Do not operate a vented style heater unvented. It
could allow combustion products, including carbon monoxide, to reach dangerous
levels which will result in illness and death.
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Portable Electric Heaters
The Commission estimates that half the deaths and
one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires occurred at night
when family members were asleep and the heater unattended. The Commission is
also concerned about the use of power or extension cords which can be too small
to supply the amount of current required by the typical portable electric
heater.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
The heater is operated at least
three feet away from upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and other
combustible materials. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
The extension cord (if used) is
marked #14 or #12 American Wire Gauge (AWG). |
___ |
___ |
3. |
The heater is used on the floor. |
___ |
___ |
4. |
The heater is turned off when
family members leave the house or are sleeping. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEelectric%20spacegif.gif)
Recommendations:
- Operate heater away from combustible
materials. Do not place heaters where towels or the like could fall on the
appliance and trigger a fire.
- Avoid using extension cords 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.
- Never place heaters on cabinets, tables,
furniture or the like. Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.
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Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment is estimated to be
associated with more than 100,000 fires annually, and almost 400 deaths, and
5,000 injuries. Gas cooking equipment accounts for about 30,000 fires, and
electric cooking equipment for about 55,000 fires.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the
following safety statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
The storage area above the stove is
free of flammable and combustible items. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
Short or tight fitting sleeves, and
tight fitting shirts, robes, gowns, etc., are worn while cooking. |
___ |
___ |
3. |
Items that could attract children
(e.g. cookies and candy) are not kept above the range and are kept out of
the immediate area. |
___ |
___ |
4. |
The stove is not left unattended
when cooking especially when the burner is turned to a high setting. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEstove.gif)
Recommendations:
- Never place or store pot holders, plastic
utensils, towels and other non-cooking equipment on or near the range because
these items can be ignited.
- Roll up or fasten long loose sleeves with pins or
elastic bands while cooking. Do not reach across a range while cooking. Long
loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire than are short sleeves. Long
loose sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and
pans and cause scalds.
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEchild%20stove.gif)
- Do not place candy or cookies over top of ranges.
This will reduce the attraction kids may have for climbing on cooking
equipment, thus reducing the possiblity of their clothing catching fire.
- Keep constant vigilance on any cooking that is
require above the"keep warm" setting.
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Each year more than 200 deaths are associated with
fires started by cigarette lighters. About two thirds of these result from
children playing with lighters. Most of the victims are under five years old.
You should be able to answer "yes" to the safety
statements below.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
Cigarette lighters and matches are kept out of
the reach of children |
___ |
___ |
2. |
Cigarette lighters are never used to entertain
a child. |
___ |
___ |
![Danger - Children and Lighters](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEmatches.gif)
Recommendations:
- Keep lighters and matches out of sight and out of
the reach of children. Children as young as two years old are capable of
lighting cigarette lighters and matches.
- Never encourage or allow a child to play with a
lighter or to think of it as a toy. Do not use it as a source of amusement for
a child. Once their curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a lighter and
try to light it.
- Always check to see that cigarettes are
extinguished before emptying ashtrays. Stubs that are still burning can ignite
trash.
(back to top)
Your home is filled with materials and products that will burn if ignited.
Upholstered furniture, clothing, drapery fabrics, and liquids such as gasoline
and volatile solvents are involved in many injury-causing fires each year. Most
of these fires could be prevented
In 1989, there were 18,600 residential fires
associated with upholstered furniture; about 900 people lost their lives. About
one half of these fires were caused by smoking materials. Property losses
amounted to over $ 100 million from fires started by cigarette ignition of
upholstered furniture.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the safety
statements below.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
Upholstered furniture fabrics made from vinyl,
wool or thermoplastic fibers are generally selected for safety reasons. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
I check thoroughly after parties for ashes or
un-extinguished cigarettes that may have fallen behind and between cushions
and under furniture. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEchair.gif)
Recommendations:
- Look for furniture designed to reduce the
likelihood of furniture fire from cigarettes. Much of the furniture
manufactured today has significantly greater resistance to ignition by
cigarettes than upholstered furniture manufactured 10 to 15 years ago. This is
particularly true of furniture manufactured to comply with the requirements of
the Upholstered Furniture Action Council's (UFAC) Voluntary Action Program.
Such upholstered furniture may be identified by the gold colored tag on the
furniture item. The legend on the front of the tag in red letters states
"Important Consumer Safety Information from UFAC."
- 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 place or leave ashtrays on the arms of
chairs where they can be knocked off.
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PE%20booklet.gif)
- Look for fabrics made predominantly from thermo-plastic fibers (nylon,
polyester, acrylic, olefin) because they resist ignition by burning cigarettes
better than cellulosic fabrics (rayon or cotton). In general, the higher the
thermoplastic content, the greater the resistance to cigarette ignition
(back to top)
Smoldering fires in mattresses and bedding materials caused by cigarettes
are a major cause of deaths in residential fires. In 1989 over 35,000
mattress/bedding fires caused about 700 deaths.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
"No smoking in bed" is a rule that is practiced
in my home. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
Heaters, ash trays, smoking materials and other
fire sources are located away from bedding. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- DO NOT smoke in bed. Smoking in bed is a major cause of
accidental fire deaths in homes.
- Locate heaters or other fire sources three feet from the bed to prevent
the bed catching on fire.
- Consider replacing your old mattress with a new one if you are a
smoker. Mattresses manufactured since 1973 are required to resist cigarette
ignition.
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEBedgif.gif)
Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more quickly than others. A
significant number of clothing fires occur in the over 65 age group principally
from nightwear (robes, pajamas, nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire
deaths were reported; about three fourths occurred in the 65 and older age
group. The severity of apparel burns is high. Hospital stays average over one
month.
Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters, and candles are
the major sources of clothing ignition. These are followed by ranges, open fires
and space heaters. The most commonly worn garments that are associated with
clothing ignition injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes, shirts/blouses,
pants/slacks and dresses.
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEfabrics.gif)
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
When purchasing wearing apparel I consider
fiber content and fabric construction for safety purposes. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
I purchase garments for my children that are
intended for sleepwear since they are made to be flame resistant. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- Consider purchasing fabrics such as 100% polyester, nylon, wool and silk
that are difficult to ignite and tend to self extinguish.
- Consider the flammability of certain fabrics containing cotton,
cotton/polyester blends, rayon, and acrylic. These are relatively easy to
ignite and burn rapidly.
- Look at fabric construction. It also affects ignitability. Tight weaves or
knits and fabrics without a fuzzy or napped surface are less likely to ignite
and burn rapidly than open knits or weaves, or fabrics with brushed or piled
surfaces.
- Consider purchasing garments that can be removed without having to pull
them over the head. Clothes that are easily removed can help prevent serious
burns. If a garment can be quickly stripped off when it catches fire, injury
will be far less severe or avoided altogether.
- Follow manufacturer's care and cleaning instructions on products labeled
"flame resistant" to ensure that their flame resistant properties are
maintained.
(back to top)
One of the major causes of household fires is flammable liquids. These
include gasoline, acetone benzene, lacquer thinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact
cements, paint thinner, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous
of all is gasoline.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
Flammable liquids are stored in properly
labeled, tightly closed non-glass containers. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
These products are stored away from heaters,
furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances. |
___ |
___ |
3. |
Flammable liquids are stored out of reach of
children. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PEliquids.gif)
Recommendation:
- 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.
(back to top)
Even when you have complied with every item in this Home Fire Safety
Checklist, you still need to have a plan for early warning and escape in case a
fire does occur.
Many fire deaths and fire injuries are actually caused by smoke and gases.
Victims inhale smoke and poisonous gases that rise ahead of the flames. Survival
depends on being warned as early as possible and having an escape plan.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
At least one smoke detector is located on every
floor of my home. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms,
either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. |
___ |
___ |
3. |
Smoke detectors are tested according to
manufacturer's instructions on a regular basis (at least once a month) and
are kept in working condition at all times. |
___ |
___ |
4. |
Batteries are replaced according to
manufacturer's instructions, at least annually. |
___ |
___ |
5. |
Batteries are never disconnected. |
___ |
___ |
6. |
The detector has a distinct warning signal that
can be heard whether asleep or awake. |
___ |
___ |
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PE%20BEEP_.gif)
![](../Home%20Fire%20Safety/PE%20MULTISTO.gif)
Make sure detectors are placed either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches
below the ceiling on the wall. Locate smoke detectors away from air vents or
registers; high air flow or "dead" spots are to be avoided.
Recommendations:
- Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one. Smoke detectors are
inexpensive and are required by law in many localities. Check local codes and
regulations before you buy your smoke detector because some codes require
specific types of detectors. They provide an early warning which is critical
because the longer the delay, the deadlier the consequences.
- Read the instructions that come with the detector for advice on the
best place to install it. As a minimum detectors should be located near
bedrooms and one on every floor.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance. Smoke
detectors can save lives, but only if properly installed and maintained.
- Never disconnect a detector. Consider relocating the detector rather
than disconnecting it if it is subject to nuisance alarms, e.g. from cooking.
- Replace the battery annually, or when a "chirping" sound is heard.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions about cleaning your detector.
Excessive dust, grease or other material in the detector may cause it to
operate abnormally. Vacuum the grill work of your detector.
(back to top)
Planning ahead, rehearsing, thinking, and acting clearly are keys to
surviving a fire. How prepare are you?
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.
|
|
Yes |
No |
1. |
The family has an escape plan and an alternate
escape plan. |
___ |
___ |
2. |
Escape routes and plans are rehearsed
periodically. |
___ |
___ |
3. |
The escape plan includes choosing a place
safely outside the house where the family can meet to be sure everyone got
out safely. |
___ |
___ |
4. |
At least two exits from each part of the house
are established. |
___ |
___ |
5. |
The fire department number is posted on every
telephone. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
Establish advanced family planning for escape. It is an important partner
with smoke detectors and it will prepare you for a fire emergency.
Include small children as a part of the discussion and rehearsal. It is
especially important to make sure they understand that they must escape; they
can't hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.
Your life and that of your family can be saved by foresight, planning,
discussing and rehearsal.
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!
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