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According to the Nation Fire Protection Agency, in 2002 the following statistics were reported regarding fires in the home: 401,000 fires (which is 77% of all fires) – a fire happened every 79 seconds 2670 deaths – a death happened every 156 minutes 14,050 injuries – an injury happened every 28 minutes $6,055,000,000 in Property Loss Although these statistics are startling, these figures are down from the previous year. The best way to stop a fire before it happens is knowledge. There are many things that you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property: I Install smoke detectors o Install a smoke detector on every level of the home and outside the sleeping areas. o Test the smoke detector o Replace batteries at twice a year. o There are smoke detectors available for the hearing impaired. I Have several fire extinguishers on hand o Recommend having a fire extinguisher mounted in the kitchen, garage/workshop, and near fireplaces/woodstoves. o Recommend the purchase of ABC-type extinguishers. o Learn how to use them. ---PAGE BREAK--- o Fire Extinguishers are for small fires only. If there is a large fire, get out immediately and call 911 from another location. I Develop an exit plan and practice them o Prepare a floor plan of your home showing at least 2 exits out of each room. o Sleep with your bedroom door closed. This will help hold back heat and smoke. o Call 911 from another location. o Have an agreed meeting place. o DO NOT under any circumstances go back inside the home! I Familiarize yourself with the hazards in your home o Fireplaces Insure that they are installed and maintained properly. Use a screen to prevent sparks from flying out. Do not store newspapers, kindling or matches near the fireplace. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned prior to use each season. Recommend the installation of a spark arrestor on the chimney. These also should be cleaned at the beginning of each burning season. o Furnaces & Space Heaters Insure that they are installed and maintained properly. Have them inspected by a professional prior to use each season. Do not store newspapers, rags, boxes, etc. near a furnace, water heater, space heater, etc. Only use space heaters when you are in the room. Never leave them unattended. Maintain 3’ clearance around the space heater while in use. Do not use an extension cord with a space heater. The space heater demands on a high amount of current to operate. Extension cords can melt and cause a fire. ---PAGE BREAK--- o Clothes Dryer Insure that the dryer is installed and maintained properly. Dryers must be vented to the outside. Clean the lint screen frequently to keep the airway free. o Electrical Hazards Do not use an extension cord in place of permanent wiring. If you need an extension cord please use a serge protector strip and be sure that it is plugged directly into the wall outlet. Do not place extension cords under rugs Do not overload a circuit – if a circuit breaker trips or fuse blows frequently, be sure to reduce the number of appliances on that line. Do not use plug adapters – making multiple plugs out of one. Be sure to use the right wattage light bulb for the appliance. o Kitchen Hazards Never leave cooking food unattended. Never pour water on a grease fire – turn stove off and cover pan with lid. Keep pot handles pointed to the back of the stove. Never store items on top of stove. Clean exhaust hood and duct regularly. o Gasoline & Other Flammable or Combustible Liquids Gasoline and other flammable or combustible liquids should be stored in approved safety containers. These containers should be stored outside the house. Fuel equipment outside and start equipment 10 feet away from where it was fueled. Never fill a hot lawn mower, snow blower or other equipment with a hot engine. ---PAGE BREAK--- o Smoking You should never smoke in bed. Use large, deep ashtrays and empty them often. Never dump an ashtray into the trash without wetting the butts and ashes first.