(Newswire.net — April 26, 2020) —
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lock-downs, people are spending more time in their houses than normal. Many people have been laid off or are working from home. Children are out of school. Non-essential businesses are shut down, so watching movies, dining, and entertainment all take place at home now.
1. Smoke alarms save lives. The number one rule of fire safety is to install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside every bedroom, and outside any sleeping area. Check your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries on a regular basis.
2. Have a fire escape plan. Every member of your family should know how to escape from every room of your house and where to meet up outside. Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year. Everyone in your home should know what your smoke alarm sounds like and how to dial 9-1-1.
3. Get the kids involved. Children are the most at risk during a fire. Tragically, children under five are twice as likely as other people to die in a house fire. Fire is the third leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. Accidental fires are commonly started by children playing with dangerous household items. Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of your child’s reach. Make sure your kids practice your fire escape plan with you. Teach your children to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire. Make sure that any security bars on your windows can be easily released and consider getting escape ladders for bedrooms on the second and third floors.
4. Keep your pets safe. Involve your pets when you practice your fire escape plan. Teach them to come when called. When you leave your home, keep your pets in rooms near entrances so that firefighters can easily find them. Leave collars and identification tags on your pets, even if they are inside animals. Do not endanger yourself or delay your escape to rescue a pet. Only professional firefighters should enter a building once it is on fire, even if people or pets are still inside.
Much like small children, pets often start accidental fires. Never leave animals unattended near an open flame. The most common way for a pet to start a fire is by accidentally turning on a stove or cooktop. Be sure that your pet cannot reach the stove or remove/protect the stove knobs. Secure your pets away from any fire hazards when you leave home.
5. Work safe. If you are working from home, don’t overload your outlets or extension cords. During this stressful time, it can be tempting to burn candles to relax. If you like candles, consider switching to flameless candles, especially if you have children or pets that could knock over a candle. Never leave a burning candle unattended, even briefly.
6. Clean safe. Many people are using this quarantine time to deep clean their homes. Now is an excellent time to have your electrical wiring and home heating sources checked by a professional. Store any flammable cleaning products safely away from any heat source. If you use rags soaking in flammable products to clean, store the rags in a metal container with a lid.
7. Cook safe. Don’t use your oven or microwave if you have been drinking or using other intoxicants. Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially if you are frying, grilling, or boiling food. Keep oven mitts, kitchen towels, and other flammable materials away from your stove top. Have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
8. Learn to use a fire extinguisher. All adults and older children in your home should know how to use the fire extinguisher. Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin. Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle slowly. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.