Home Fire Hazards

Every 15 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States. A residential fire occurs every 66 seconds. There is one civilian fire death every 118 minutes. There is one civilian fire injury every 18 minutes.

One of the best ways to prevent fire in the home is to do a home inspection specifically looking for the fire hazards or preparing for emergency measures in case of a fire. Inspect your home one section at a time:

Kitchen
All electrical appliances and tools should have a testing agency label. Have the appliances repaired if they aren't working right. If an appliance gets wet, have it serviced.

• Check the cords on all appliances. If they are worn or frayed, have them repaired.
• Don't overload the outlets.
• Don't store things over the stove. People get burned while reaching.
• Turn pot handles so children can't pull them down.
• Check to see if curtains or towel racks are close to the stove.
• Check to see if the stove and oven are clean of grease and oil.
• Be sure a fire extinguisher is placed in the kitchen. The Grand Junction Fire Department recommends a minimum 2A-10BC extinguisher.
• All cleaning products and other chemicals should be stored out of the reach of young children, not under the sink. Cleaning products and other chemicals also should be stored separately from foods.

Living room or family room

• Be sure portable space heaters are at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire including walls and curtains.
• Use a metal or glass fireplace screen. Have the chimney checked and cleaned regularly.
• Put lighters and matches where small children won't find them.
• Too small or too full ashtrays are no good. Ashtrays should be large, deep and emptied frequently, but only when all signs of heat and burning are gone.
• Before going to bed, look under cushions for burning cigarettes. Check carpeting where ashtrays have been used.
• Extension cords should not run under rugs and carpets or be looped over nails or other sharp objects that could cause them to fray.
• Check for overloaded outlets or extension cords.
• Electrical sockets should be covered with a child-proof fitting.
• Lamp and light fixtures should be used with bulbs with wattage at or below maximum prescribed by the manufacturer.
• Allow plenty of air space around the TV and stereo to prevent overheating. If
  these appliances are not working correctly be sure to have them repaired. In the meantime, unplug them.

Bathroom

• Check for overloaded extension cords and outlets.
• Don't place or use any appliances near water.
• Make sure all medicines and cosmetics are kept out of the reach of small children. Install safety latches on drawers, cupboards and medicine cabinets if the home has small children.
• Install non-slip mats in tubs and showers.

Bedrooms

• Smoke detectors should be tested regularly to be sure they are functioning correctly.
• Have a working flashlight next to each bed.
• Again, check for overloaded outlets, extension cords and heaters that are too close to combustible items.
• Each member of the family should know what to do in the event of a fire.
• Plan two escapes from each bedroom in case of a fire.
• If you smoke, DO NOT smoke in bed.

Basement, Garage and Storage