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We’ve all learned the basics of fire prevention and fire protocol in school. The mantra, “stop, drop, and roll” was adopted as a quick and easy way to remember what to do in the event of a fire, and I even recall singing a song about it in elementary school. We also know that we should keep electrical appliances away from wet areas, and that small children should kept away from a hot stove or burning matches.

We all know this. And yet every year, countless homeowners lose their valuables and – in some extreme cases – their homes, from fires. Some situations are unexpected and out of our hands, but most are entirely preventable. All it takes is some good fire prevention know-how to keep you and your family safe.

Here are some quick tips and brush-ups to remember:

PREVENTING FIRES
In the kitchen:

DON’T wear long sleeves when cooking, and always keep oven mitts around

DO keep flammable objects, like curtains, at least three feet away from the stove; BBQ grills should also be at least three feet away from the house and other flammable objects

DON’T use outlets that are not protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs); consult an electrician to have outlets checked or installed
In the fireplace:

DON’T use charcoal or a Hibachi (this is a small, cast-iron or metal container made for holding fuel, like charcoal; a grill, placed at the top of the bowl, is used to cook food); the carbon monoxide levels are just too high for a small ventilated space like a fireplace

DO have a glass door or metal screen closed at all times when a wood-burning fireplace is on to ward off irritant sparks

DON’T close a flue while the fire is still smouldering; this will only cause a carbon monoxide build-up

DO schedule inspections for fireplaces, chimneys, wood/coal stoves, furnaces, and space heaters at least once a year, and get them cleaned as often as necessary to prevent blockage and ventilation problems

DON’T use gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid to start a fire

DO only use dry, seasoned hardwood and long-stemmed matches to start a fire

DON’T keep holiday decorations hanging around while a fire is going; remember to always remove them before building a fire

DO place a guard on top of the chimney to prevent birds and small animals from climbing in; the guard will also protect the roof from errant sparks
Around the home:

DO make sure that all portable space-heating equipment has been tested and approved by government standards; keep these heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects and always turn off before leaving a room and when going to bed

DON’T insert light bulbs in light fixtures before checking that the wattage is compatible; never use wattage that is higher than recommended

DO clean out the garage and basement periodically – these areas are often overlooked and can run the risk of becoming too cluttered; never pile newspapers and rags in one area

DON’T stow gasoline in the home; gasoline should be stored in a sturdy container approved for gasoline storage, clearly marked, and placed in a garage or shed

DO leave ample air space around appliances and television sets; if the area is too chaotic, there is a chance these appliances will overheat

DON’T purchase an artificial Christmas tree that is not flame retardant; similarly, fresh trees need to be watered daily to avoid dehydration, and should be discarded once the needles become dry and brittle

DO cap outlets in the presence of small children

DON’T keep small appliances plugged in when not in use

DO follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging appliances into outlets; extension cords for large appliances should only be employed for temporary use at best

DO use waterproof outdoor outlets; extension cords used outside should be specially marked for outdoor use

DON’T fish out an appliance if it falls into water; unplug the device first and wait before retrieving

DO take caution when removing the lid from a microwavable container – the steam can be hot enough to cause mild burns

DON’T empty a cigarette ashtray into the garbage without first running water over the cigarette butts to make sure they’re completely out
Electrical wiring:

DO call an electrician if lights dim or flicker, fuses blow, or sparks shoot out of receptacles (whether it is being used or not)

DON’T run cords under rugs or heavy furniture, which can cause overheating; never overload outlets

DO only use wires and plugs that are in good condition; discard cords that are tangled, frayed, or knotted

DON’T use extension cords with baseboards or on walls with nails or staples

FIRE PROTOCOLS
The best warning systems any home can have are smoke detectors. Detectors have become standard fixtures in homes over the past fifty years, and yet many homes still suffer from fires. The biggest mistake any homeowner can make is thinking that one smoke detector is enough. Actually, there should be a smoke detector in every floor, including the basement, and an additional one outside each sleeping quarter. For added protection, install a smoke detector inside each bedroom as well.

Smoke detectors should be tested once a month, and batteries changed at least once a year. The units should be rotated every ten years to ensure that the detectors won’t malfunction. Do not install them near windows, door, and ducts, as they might interfere with the accuracy of the detectors. Also, keep detectors away from bathrooms or stoves, and mount on walls four to twelve inches away from the ceiling.

In the case of fire, leave the house right away and contact the fire department from a safe location. Since fumes are the top cause of fire-related deaths, it’s important to stay low at all times and crawl under the rising smoke, with the head twelve to twenty-four inches above the ground. If anything catches fire, stop, drop and roll until the fire is extinguished.

Most fires started in the kitchen are a result of grease fires. There are several steps you can take to control the fire and to keep it from spreading. But remember, these are only for small fires. If the fire becomes wild and erratic, leave the home immediately.

For pan fires caused by grease, take a lid and slide it over the pan from front to back. The lid will cut off oxygen to the fire. Never slide the lid from back to front; this move is dangerous and could potentially cause major burns to exposed skin. Wait until the pan is fully cooled before removing the lid. Using water to put out the fire is ineffectual, and carrying the pan from the stove could spread the fire.

For oven fires, turn off the heat in the oven and keep the door closed to extinguish the fire. Call the fire department to report the fire.

For toaster oven/microwave fires, keep the door closed to extinguish the fire. Unplug the appliance only if it is safe to do so. Call the fire department to report the fire, and do not attempt to reuse the appliance until it has been checked and/or replaced.

It is a good idea to keep a portable fire extinguisher around the home, especially in a safe location in the kitchen. There are several types of extinguishers to choose from, and they will be clearly marked on the extinguisher. For example, Class ABC extinguishers are considered all-purpose. Before purchasing, it is recommended to take a quick training lesson from a fire safety department for proper handling and use.

If you ever need to employ a fire extinguisher, remember to keep your back to an exit at all times. For extinguisher handling, a quick acronym that fire safety experts use is PASS: pull pin, aim low at the base of the fire, squeeze the lever below the handle to release chemicals, and sweep from side to side, keeping the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire. Wait before leaving the scene of the fire – embers could potentially create another spark.

Being fire smart and knowing what to do in the case of fire is important for everyone. Always practice good fire prevention and protocol for a safe and happy home. For more information on how to keep your home safe, visit the Home Safety Council website.

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Copyright 2003. Michael A. Reis, Coldwell Banker Platinum Realty, Canada. All Coldwell Banker offices are independently owned and operated. Powered by Look Communications Inc. and compiled by The Corporate Ninja.