Fire Safety Tips

Residential and commercial fires can be devastating, but with a little care and prevention, you can protect your family, home, business, and possessions.

Woodstoves:

  • Install only UL approved stoves or fireplaces with clearances recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Woodstoves need to be on their own separate flue.
  • Clean and inspect all flues before the heating season.
  • Burn only seasoned wood to reduce creosote buildup.
  • Dispose of ashes in a non-combustible, metal container.
  • Properly install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home.

Electrical:

  • If you have an older home with fuses, replace with a circuit breaker panel as soon as possible and make sure that your existing wiring meets current electrical codes.
  • Do not overload extension cords or join them together for length.
  • Throw away any aging cords or electrical devices with broken or worn cords.

Cooking:

  • Keep a tested ABC class fire extinguisher in the kitchen and any room with a heating device.
  • Never leave cooking pans unattended, especially when cooking with oil.
  • Never throw water on a grease/oil fire.

Commercial Cooking:

  • Equipment should be cleaned/inspected by a professional cleaning company on a semi-annual basis.
  • Class K Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are required and should be inspected and tagged annually.

Cigarettes and Candles:

  • Never smoke in bed or when sleepy.
  • Never burn candles in a closed area, near flammable materials, or leave unattended. Place on fire resistant surfaces.
  • Trim candle wicks to prevent soot build up on ceilings and walls.

 

Download a printable version of these tips here: Fire Safety Tips