General Safety Tips

Please view our list of general safety tips:

• Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries twice a year. We suggest replacing them when it's time to "spring ahead" or "fall back" the clocks for Daylight Savings Time in the fall and spring.
• Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Smoke alarms don't last forever.
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan, because working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan will increase your protection in case of a fire.
• Always keep an eye on food being heated. Unattended cooking causes the majority of fires in the kitchen.
• Keep children away from appliances when cooking. Have a "kid-free zone" around the stove and teach youngsters not to play in that area.
• Turn handles inward so pots and pans won't be pulled or knocked off the stove.
• Have a professional technician inspect your heating, cooling, and water appliances annually.
• Have the fireplace chimney checked and cleaned routinely by a chimney "sweep" at least once a year.
• Do not leave a portable heater operating unattended or operating while sleeping. Portable electric air heaters are designed for use only as temporary supplemental heating and only while attended.
• Do not use any electrical cord that is stiff or cracked. The insulation on electrical cords can become damaged by wear, flexing, or age.
• Inspect electrical cords for frayed wires, which can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged cords immediately.
• Keep combustibles away from light bulbs. Light bulbs, especially halogen types, get very hot and can ignite combustible materials that get too close.
• Never place clothing or towels on top of a lampshade. Do not use table lamps without a shade where they might fall over onto a bed or sofa.
• Use the correct wattage bulb for the fixture. Most light fixtures are labeled to show the type of and highest wattage bulb that can be safely used in that fixture; too high a wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat and start a fire.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of young children.
• Exercise caution when using candles. Do not leave candles unattended or lit while sleeping.
• Candles should be kept away from combustibles. Extinguish candles when you leave the room. If power is out, consider using flashlights instead.
• Never smoke in bed and extinguish tobacco products when tired.