How fire-safe is your home? An inspection of rural homes last year in three states most afflicted by house fires showed that 80 percent did not have a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Even in our mild Central Texas winter, we use fireplaces and small heaters more often, and increase the risk of accidental fire and burns. February 5 – 11 is National Burn Awareness Week, so take time to learn how to protect yourself and loved ones from in-home fires.
Kitchen Tips
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
- Store flammable liquids away from the range or other heat source – a pilot light can set vapors on fire.
Living Areas
- Do not run extension cords under rugs or carpets, or looped over nails or sharp objects that could cause fraying
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from curtains, furniture and papers
Garage and Storage Areas
- Do not store oily or greasy rags because they may ignite.
- Do not store gasoline or other flammables near a workbench or pilot light.
- Do not store anything next to furnaces, water heaters or other heat sources.
These and more home fire safety tips are available in this free download, “How Fire Safe is Your Home?”