14 Fire Safety Tips

Recently here on the Seacoast we have had reports of several home fires. One home in Portsmouth caught fire again the next day. Can you imagine watching your home burn TWICE?! So I thought I would pass along some home safety tips in regards to fire.

1. Make your home escape plan - and practice it! Draw up a simple floor plan including windows. Sit down with your family and discuss the two best ways to get out of each and every room. Decide where you will all meet up on the outside. Make sure everyone knows that when the smoke alarm goes off - get out and stay out.
2. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors monthly. Replace batteries every 6 months. Replace the whole alarm every 10 years.
3. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires - Pay attention to your cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
4. When cooking - if you have to leave the room - turn off the stove.
5. Use a kitchen timer to remind you that you are cooking and check on the progress regularly.
6. Keep children and pets away from the stove.
7. When cooking, wear clothing with tight fitting sleeves so you don't catch on fire.
8. Turn space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room
9. Remove abandoned vehicles from your property.
10. Store flammable liquids in a locked shed or detached garage.
11. Put candles out when you go to bed or leave the room
12. Provide smokers with deep, sturdy ashtrays.
13. Smoke outside- designate a smoking area outside. Provide a safe container for butts.
14. Install residential automatic sprinkler systems.

(c) 2009 Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth NH