Home entertainment center
Problem: Numerous wires.
Solution: Have an electrician install additional outlets. If house was
built before World War II, consider rewiring; such homes were not designed
for today's electric gadgetry.
Fireplaces
Problem: Sparks, creosote buildup.
Solutions: Equip with spark screens and clean chimney flues periodically.
· Put spark catchers on chimney top.
· Have chimney inspected for creosote buildup.
· Never burn flammable liquids in fireplace.
· Metal inserts on modern fireplaces must be properly installed and
operated according to manufacturers' guidelines.
Heating systems
Problem: Improperly installed or maintained heating equipment.
Solutions: Keep space heaters at least 36 inches from walls, bedding or
anything flammable.
· Replace frayed wires on electrical heaters.
· Wood stoves and fireplace inserts should have a label from a recognized
testing lab, be installed according to manufacturer's directions and meet
fire codes.
· Never store flammable liquids near furnaces.
Smoking
Problem: Even though the percentage of people who smoke is decreasing,
most home fire deaths are still caused by smoking.
Solution: Never smoke in bed or anywhere when drowsy. Never rest a
cigarette, cigar or pipe on edge of a counter or table.
Electrical systems
Problem: Improperly installed or worn wiring.
Solutions: Electrical systems should comply with National Electrical Code.
New work should be done by a licensed electrician, comply with codes and
be inspected.
· If house has a fuse box, use only correct sizes; if one blows
repeatedly, do not replace with larger fuse; rather, call an electrician.
· Never plug more than one large appliance into an outlet.
· Don't touch electrical devices when hands or feet are wet.
· If you feel a tingle from an electrical device, unplug and have it
repaired. Install ground-fault circuit interrupters in kitchens and
bathrooms. GFCIs sense current leaks and cut off flow.
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The kitchen
Problem: One third of all home fires are caused by cooking equipment.
Solutions: Keep a fire extinguisher in kitchen and make sure it's charged.
(An unused one goes flat in five years).
· Douse grease fires with salt, baking soda or chemical fire
extinguisher. Don't use water.
· Avoid cooking in loose clothing which can ignite or catch on pot
handles.
· Don't keep flammable items near stove.
Other danger spots
· Attics, closets or anywhere old items accumulate. Do not store anything
that could quickly ignite. When in doubt, discard.
· Flammable liquids, such as paint, gasoline for lawn mowers and
furniture polish, should be stored in approved containers and kept away
from sources of heat.
· Halogen torch lamps pose a great danger since they often operate at
above 1,000 degrees. Sacramento Municipal Utility District is offering $10
toward purchase of safer Energy Star fluorescent lamps. To get one, turn
in your halogen lamp to an approved dealer on Oct. 14. For a list of
dealers, call (888) 742-7683 or access www.smud.org.
Plan your escape
The theme of National Fire Prevention Week is "The
Great Escape." When an alarm sounds, you need to react immediately
and know exactly what to do, says the National Fire Prevention
Association. That takes planning and practice. The association recommends
that you:
· Draw a floor plan of your home marking all doors, windows and smoke
alarms. If windows have security bars, equip them with quick-release
devices.
· Locate two escape routes from each room. First would be a door, second
may be a window. Buy a fire escape ladder for upper-story rooms.
· Close all doors behind you as you exit. This will slow the spread of
fire.
· If the primary exit is blocked by smoke or fire, use the secondary
exit. If you must escape through smoke, stay low and crawl to safety;
cleanest air will be near floor.
· If you live in a high-rise, use stairs -- not the elevator -- to exit.
· Choose a meeting place a safe distance from home (such as a tree,
telephone pole or neighbor's home). Instruct your family to gather there.
· Once outside, all fire department from a neighbor's phone.
· Make sure your home's street number is clearly visible so firefighters
can easily identify it.
· Practice your escape drill at least twice a year.
· Never go back into a burning building. |
