Kwik Dry Systems

Fire Safety and Prevention Tips
Every three hours someone dies in a home fire in the United States. Most of these incidences could be avoided through proper fire safety preparation and awareness.
Some of the most important and obvious ways you can prepare for a fire is by having working smoke alarms, home fire sprinklers, easily accessible fire extinguishers and illuminated exit signs. Remember, in the event of a fire it is most important to exit the premises immediately and call for help.

Common Causes for Fires

The smoke from a fire alone is responsible for a majority of deaths in home fires.
Cooking is the cause for a majority of home fires and fire injuries.

Cooking

• Prepare a fire escape plan and rehearse it each month
• Do not attempt to heat your house with the oven or stove.
• Never leave the kitchen while cooking
• Keep anything that is not fire resistant away from the stove (paper towels, pot polders, curtains)
• If a small cooking fire starts, smother the fire. Never throw water onto a grease fire.
• Do not heat oil at a high temperature. This will help avoid the splattering (be very careful frying foods)
• If you see a fire starting in the microwave, do not open the door.
• Before leaving the house or going to bed be sure to check the kitchen to assure all appliances are turned off.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and keep it in good working condition.

Smoking

• Never smoke while lying in your bed.
• Keep your ashtrays on a surface that cannot easily catch fire. Avoid the arms of your sofa or on a carpeted floor.
• Water down any ashes before putting them into the trash can.
• Keep all lighters and matches away from children.

Heating

• Be sure to keep any type of space heater at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire.
• When purchasing a space heater, find one that turns off automatically if it tips over.
• Never dry clothing with a space heater.
• Have your chimney/wood stove inspected and cleaned yearly.
• Never start a wood fire with gas or lighter fluid.
• Do not burn moist wood. This can cause a build-up of creosote and can cause a fire to start within your chimney.
• Keep items like paper and kindling away from your fireplace.

Electrical

• Be sure all plugs are fully inserted into a socket.
• Never attempt to use a plug a three prong socket into a two slot outlet.
• Do not run cords underneath rugs or along walls.