Burn Prevention and Fire Safety Tips

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KITCHEN SAFETY

         Stove/Oven  
 

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep the stovetop and oven clean, as buildup of grease and debris can ignite easily.
• Keep stove area clear flammable materials. Don't leave oven mitts, paper or cloth towels near the stove.
• Dishtowels should never be hung on the oven door.
• Do not place or spray aerosols near an open flame.
• Cook on back burners and turn pot handles in to prevent accidental spillage.
• Wear close fitting clothes and roll up sleeves. Turn stovetop flames off before reaching above the stove.
  
     Microwave Ovens
   
• Use only containers designed for microwave use.
• Allow food to cool before removing it from the microwave.
• Prevent steam burns by removing lids carefully. Stir thoroughly to distribute heat evenly.
• Never microwave a baby bottle.

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KID'S CORNER

• Create a “kid free zone” around the stove/oven.
• Do not allow appliance cords to dangle within reach of small children.
• Keep hot liquids out of reach of children.
• Do not use tablecloths or placemats when small children are present.
• Do not cook at the stove, eat or drink hot foods while holding a child.
• Keep children out of the kitchen during hectic meal preparations. Assign older children to be responsible for younger children during this time if necessary.
•  Store all matches and lighters up high, out of children's reach.
• Use child resistant lighters.

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BATHROOM SAFETY

• Set water heaters at 120 F. Anything higher puts those in your household; especially small children and the elderly, at risk for scald injuries.
• Do not use hairdryers or other electrical appliances near the sink or a full tub.
• When preparing a bath for small children, remember to keep the water temperature no more than 101º F as their skin is more sensitive to heat. Have the children test the water themselves before getting in.

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HEATING SAFETY

• Space heaters need space – at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, drapes and rugs.
• Keep children and pets away from all heaters.
• Never leave heaters unattended.
• Refuel kerosene heaters with kerosene only, outside, after the heater has cooled.
• Always use an approved glass or metal protective screen in front of your fireplace.
• Store flammable materials like newspaper, kindling or wood away from stoves and fireplaces.
• Do not use throw rugs in front of the stove or fireplace.
• Have your chimney inspected by a professional once a year and have it cleaned if necessary.
• Use only dry seasoned wood in wood stoves and fireplaces.
• Addition of wood and attendance to the fire should be the responsibility of an adult.
• Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
• Never dispose of ashes, hot or cold, in anything but a metal can or bin.

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BASEMENT

• Always store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight fitting lids and away from heat sources.
• Remove trash from your home.
• Don’t store anything near a furnace or water heater.
• Clean the lint trap on the clothes dryer after each use.
• If flooding occurs, turn off electrical circuits before stepping into the water.

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SMOKERS

• Never smoke in bed or near flammables.
• Provide smokers with large, deep ashtrays and douse butts with water before discarding them.
• Douse butts with water before discarding them.
• Check around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes before going to bed.

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OUTDOOR SAFETY

   Gasoline

• Gasoline should always be stored outside in a detached shed or garage, in small amounts, in an approved, sealed container out of reach of children.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquid as a cleaning agent.
• Never fill gasoline motors in an enclosed space, such as a garage.
• Before starting a lawnmower, snow blower, or motorcycle; move it away from gasoline fumes.
• Let small motors cool before you refuel them.  

   Grilling

• Never use gasoline to enhance or start a fire.
• Don’t add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started (use dry kindling to revive the flame).
• Use grills outside only, well away from buildings, vegetation and other combustibles.
• Supervise children carefully when a grill is used.
• Never allow horseplay around the grill.

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APARTMENT / DORM SAFETY

• Know where the nearest stairwell is located.
• Count how many doors are between your dwelling and the stairwell. (In a fire, the smoke can be so thick you will have no visibility and you need to know your way out without the benefit of vision)
• Contact the building management and/or your local fire department for proper evacuation procedures.
• Never use an elevator in the event of a fire.

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Never allow an electrical appliance or its cord come in contact with water unless that is what it was designed for (per manufacturers instructions).
• If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug immediately and have it serviced.
• Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed.
• Don’t overload extension cords or outlets.
• Never connect more than two extension cords.
• Never run electrical cords under rugs.
• Don’t tamper with the fuse box or use improperly sized fuses.
• Don’t place flammable objects on or near light bulbs.
• Always follow manufacturers instructions on type of light bulb and wattage for a light.

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SMOKE DETECTORS

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in each bedroom.
• Do not install a smoke detector near cooking vapors.
• Test smoke detectors monthly, following manufacturers instructions.
• Change batteries twice a year on daylight savings, or whenever you hear a “chirp” indicating a low battery. Follow manufacturers instructions for long life batteries.
• Never borrow or remove batteries from a smoke detector.
• Replace smoke detectors that are more than 10 years old, the effectiveness is not guaranteed.
• Vacuum smoke detectors to keep them dust free and functioning.
• CO is a tasteless, odorless, colorless poisonous gas. Every home should also have at least one carbon monoxide detector.

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FIRE ESCAPE PLANS

To create your own Fire Escape Plan, click here to access a blank template, available as a PDF file.

• A working smoke detector is the most important part of a fire escape plan.
• NEVER ignore a fire alarm!
• Most residential fires occur between midnight and six a.m.
• In the event of a fire, you have less than two minutes to escape safely.
• Prepare for an emergency by designing an escape plan with the entire family.
• Know two unobstructed ways out of each room.
• Feel all doors for evidence of heat before opening them.
• Close doors behind you to hinder the spread of fire.
• Close room doors before opening windows.
• If your escape route involves an upper level window, be sure to plan a safe way of getting to the ground.
• Decide on a meeting place. Pick a place that is safely away from the home but not across a busy street. The entire household should agree on a spot (mailbox, tree, neighbors house) and know to meet there in the event of an emergency.
• Practice your escape plan with the entire household at least twice a year.
• Remember to crawl low under smoke.
• Stop, Drop and Roll if your clothing catches on fire.

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