Regardless of where you live, the fires are a dramatic reminder of how quickly a small fire can become a raging, destructive inferno. With that in mind, perhaps now would be a good time to review some at-home safety tips offered by fire safety experts:
1. Put at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including the basement and attic areas.
2. Test all of your smoke detectors at least twice a year, and replace the batteries yearly.
3. Most smoke detectors should be mounted in the center of a room, at least 6 inches away from the wall.
4. If cooking on the stove, never leave it unattended
5. Keep stove burners, ovens and broilers clean and grease-free.
6. Keep flammable liquids out of the kitchen and away from any heating equipment.
7. Check your home’s heating system. Also check standing heaters for frayed wiring.
8. Go through your home checking for frayed wiring on all electrical equipment such as lamps, irons, etc.
9. Create a written escape plan which should include a place to meet outside when the smoke alarm goes off.
10. Review your plan with everyone in the home and have them practice a fire drill by crawling to various exits and gathering outside at the planned meeting place.
