FIRE PREVENTION & SAFETY

The first week of October is recognized as Fire Prevention Week. These are a few household fire safety tips to remember.

· Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors at least twice a year. Typically, this is recommended during Daylight Savings Time when the time changes in the Spring and Eastern Standard Time in the Fall.

· Implement and practice fire evacuation routes from your home and "stop, drop, and roll" with your family.

· Place all flammable liquids and combustible rags in approved containers.

· Properly dispose of ashes from your fireplace.

· Keep matches away from children and in a safe location.

· Don't jam furniture against power cords in wall outlets.

· Don't place power cords beneath rugs.

· Keep approved fire extinguishers in strategic locations throughout your home (kitchen, garage, etc.).

· Space heaters should be kept a minimum distance of 3 feet away from curtains, rugs, beds, and other flammable materials. Space heaters should always be turned off when you leave the house.

· Furnaces and other heating sources should be serviced on a regular basis to ensure proper operation before the cold season begins.