Matches and Careless Smoking Hazards

• Do you keep matches away from sources of heat such as stoves or heaters?
• Do you make sure matches and smoking materials are out before disposing of them?
• Do you have plenty of large, non-combustible ashtrays in every room?
• Is "No smoking in bed" a rule in your home?

Electrical Hazards

• Do you allow only qualified electricians to install or extend your wiring?
• Are there enough electrical outlets in every room to avoid the need for multiple attachment plugs and long extension cords?
• Do you have special circuits for heavy-duty appliances such as stoves?
• Do you use only 15 amp fuses for your household light circuits?
• Are all extension cords in the open - not run under rugs, over hooks or through partitions or door openings?

Yard and Garage Hazards

• Do you keep your yard cleared of leaves, debris and combustible rubbish?
• If any of the surrounding property is vacant, have weeds, dry leaves and rubbish been cleared off?
• If you keep gasoline for use in a power mower or outboard motor, is it stored in a strong, metal safety-type can with self-closing caps on the openings?
• If your garage is attached to the house, is it separated by a tight-fitting door, which is kept closed?

Housekeeping Hazards

• Do you keep your basement, closets and attic cleared of old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other combustible odds and ends?
• After using oily polishing rags or waste, do you destroy them or place them in covered metal cans?
• If you store paint, varnish, etc., do you keep the containers tightly closed?

Home Appliance Hazards

• Do you always turn off the stove/oven before leaving the kitchen?
• Do you always turn the dryer off before leaving your home?
• Do you always clean the lint tray in your dryer before each use?

Don't become a statistic

You need to answer "YES" to all the following questions to increase your chances of surviving a house fire.

• Do you test your smoke detectors once a month?
• Does your family have a drawn escape plan of your house, showing all exits?
• Are there smoke detectors on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas?
• Does everyone in the family know at least 2 escape routes from every room?
• Does your family practice your escape plan at least twice a year?
• Do all smoke detectors have working batteries?
• Do you have a meeting place outside of the home for all family members to gather in case of fire?

What You and Your Family Should Do in Case of Fire

1. Don't Panic - escape may depend on clear thinking.
2. Get out of the house following the planned escape routes, if possible. Do not stop to collect valuables or dress.
3. Open doors carefully only after feeling them to see if they are hot. If they are, do not open - follow an alternative escape route.
4. Keep close to the floor - smoke and hot gases rise. Breathe through a cloth (wet, if possible) and take short shallow breaths.
5. Keep doors and windows closed unless it is necessary to open them for escape.
6. Meet at your pre-established meeting place after leaving your house.
7. Call your fire department as soon as possible from outside the building. Give your address and name.
8. Never re-enter a burning building.

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