Take a few minutes to walk through your home and assess your fire-safe score. Use this checklist as a guide for fire prevention tips.

Smoke Detectors
Place smoke detectors in every bedroom and hallways outside bedrooms.
Test the batteries monthly. Mark your calendar with your dates to check!
Change batteries when you change your clocks at Daylight Savings Time.
Place smoke detectors at least 4 to 6 inches away from walls and corners.
Place smoke detectors a fair distance away from bathrooms and kitchens to prevent false alarms

Electrical Wiring
Replace any wiring that is frayed or cracked.
Do not place wiring under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.
Avoid overloading outlets and make sure they stay cool to the touch.
Keep covers over electric plates and avoid exposed wiring.

Alternative Heat Sources
Use heaters only in well-ventilated rooms.
Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.
Do not use heaters to dry clothing or other items.
Keep heaters at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, and all combustibles.

Woodstoves and Fireplaces
Only use seasoned wood, and never use green wood, artificial logs or trash.
Always use a protective screen.
Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys yearly.

Safe Cooking Practices
Don't leave food unattended on the stove.
Keep dangling clothing away from burners.
Keep appliances clean and free of grease and crumbs.
Keep curtains and other combustibles away from the stove.
Make sure the stove is off and small appliances are unplugged before going to bed.

Electric Space Heaters
Plug heaters directly into the wall socket, and not into extension cords.
Unplug heaters when they're not being used.

Safe Smoking Habits
Never smoke in bed.
Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
Always attend burning cigarettes.

Children and Fire Safety
Keep lighters and matches away from children.
Teach children how to call for emergency assistance (911).
Use safety plugs in electrical outlets.

Home Fire Escape Plan
Have an escape plan and make sure all family members know it.
Practice the plan every six months.
Keep emergency numbers, a whistle and a flashlight near the telephone.
Identify an outside meeting place and never return into a burning building.
Know how to call for emergency assistance (911).

Fire Safety Technology
Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen.
Consider installing residential fire sprinklers.

The Hempfield Fire Department often participates in school and community events to promote fire safety…contact us for more information about inviting a HFD representative to speak to your group.