Fire Safety

• Hot water is a primary cause of scald burns. Other common agents include hot beverages and cooking oils. Keep young children away from the stove and hot liquids during cooking and always check the temperature of bath water before putting a child in the bath. 

• Install smoke alarms on all levels of your home, both inside and outside of all bedrooms/sleeping areas.

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working.

• Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

• Have a fire escape plan prepared and practice with everyone that lives in the home. This includes knowing two ways to get out of every room and having a designated meeting spot set outside of the home.

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

• Have at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor as well, installed near sleeping areas. Place them at least 15 feet away from any fuel-burning appliances, like stoves and water heaters.

• Use a surge protector on outlets. Make sure to use only one surge protector per wall outlet. Cover all unused outlets with outlet covers.
   

Electrical Appliances, Cords, and Outlets

• Ensure electrical appliances are in good condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs.

• Replace or professionally repair any appliances that spark, smell unusual, or overheat.

• Avoid overloading outlets with plugs from the TV, computer, video game systems, etc.

• Cover any outlets that are not in use with plastic safety covers if you have toddlers or young children in your home.

• Make sure lamps and night-lights are not touching bedspreads, drapes, or other fabrics.

• Check if your home contain GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) and/or AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters), which prevent electrical shock and fire by shutting off faulty circuits.

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Kitchen Safety

• Don't let kids use kitchen appliances by themselves and always supervise the kitchen area when the stovetop is in use. Home cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires.

• Keep pan handles turned inwards, away from the edge of the stove to prevent it from being bumped and falling.

• Keep anything that can catch fire, such as towels or food packaging, away from the stove.