Home Fire Safety

MOME FIRE SAFETYO HOUSEHOLD FIRES ARE DANGEROUS, DESTRUCTIVE, AND ALL TOO COMMON. CHIMNEYS A Guide to Household Fire Safety and Prevention Approximately 75% of chimney fires are caused by creosote buildup! TIPS • Keep chimneys clear and vented. A dirty chimney builds up creosote deposits that can easily catch a wayward spark and cause a dangerous, destructive fire. DRYERS - I -- --- --- I -- ---- I-- -- I--- I- BEDROOM BATHROOM Dryers and washing machines are out of every 22 US involved in home structure fires. SMOKE DETECTORS TIPS • Clean lint screens before every load. The buildup of lint is responsible for an average of 4,440 fires each year. TIPS Check the batteries in • Avoid overloading the dryer. Motors under strain can overheat easily and start fires. smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. SPACE HEATERS LIVING ROOM Always rely on a central heating system to heat your home. Space heaters account for around 1/3 of home heating fires. TIPS • Keep plenty of space around any space heater-if it's flammable, make sure it's at least 3 feet away from the unit! IN THE KITCHEN I--- --- I -- ---- -- - -- ▬---- --- II - Approximately 41% of home fires start KITCHEN in the kitchen. TIPS • Never leave a lit stove or range unattended. • Always keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the stove. • Oil splatter and grease account for 37% of kitchen fires, so keep those ranges clean! In the Event of a Fire > Have a Plan Brainstorm at least 2 ways to escape from each room in your home, and decide on a meeting spot outside and away from the house. • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember P.A.S.S.: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Sources: http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Research/Fact%20sheets/home_heating_fact_sheet.pdf http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Research/NFPA%20reports/Appliances%20and%20equipment/oswashersdryers.pdf http://www.nfpa.org/press-room/news-releases/2010/nfpa-study-nearly-all-structure-fire-deaths-happen-in-home-fires http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v414.pdf ARBELLA INSURANCE