The National Fire Protection Association advises homeowners that three simple but essential safety steps can make all the difference in the case of a fire. By identifying home hazards, making sure smoke detectors are working properly and establishing a fire escape plan, homeowners can become active members of the fire safety team.


Identifying home hazards

Taking a look around the house for hazards and conducting a fire safety inspection may help in identifying some overlooked areas of concern. While some trouble areas may be corrected through simple housekeeping tasks, others may require professional help.

A yearly check of heating equipment—including chimneys, chimney connectors, fireplaces, wood or coal stoves, central furnaces and space heaters—is one job for a professional. In addition to an annual inspection, these items should be cleaned as often as necessary, and filters should be changed at least once yearly.

Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. The latest statistics available from the National Fire Protection Association show that two of every three home heating fires in the United States and three of every four related deaths were the result of space heating equipment.

If there is a space heater in the home, it should have plenty of clearance—at least three feet—from anything that is flammable. Heaters should be turned off upon leaving a room or going to bed.

Electrical devices are a potential fire hazard and should be checked for loose, frayed or broken cords. Always check the manufacturer's directions before plugging an appliance into an outlet, and avoid plugging more than one high-wattage appliance into a single receptacle. When small children are in the home, the outlet should be protected with plastic safety covers.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends the installation of ground-fault circuit-interrupters to reduce the risk of electrical shock. These are designed to shut off faulty electrical circuits and equipment more quickly than conventional fuses or circuit breakers. The devices are inexpensive and can be hard-wired into the electrical system by a professional electrician.

Additionally, damaged wires or cords can generate high temperatures due to unwanted electrical arcing. An arc-fault circuit interrupter monitors the electrical current in a circuit and will shut it off when an unwanted arcing fault is detected. The National Electrical Code now requires this mechanism in bedrooms of new residences.

Of course, some safety tips seem obvious but could easily cause a problem if ignored. When cooking food, the stove should never be left unattended, and it's a good idea to keep an eye on food cooking inside the oven as well. Potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging should be kept away from the stove or oven. Cooking areas should be clean. Watch for greasy build-up on stoves and the oven. A portable fire extinguisher in the kitchen can save lives and minimize property damage by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.

Other fire concerns in the home include the use of candles. While they can be decorative, they can also be deadly. Candles that are lit should be monitored constantly by an adult. Children should never be left alone with burning candles, and the National Fire Protection Association recommends against allowing children to have candles in their bedroom. Make sure candleholders won't tip over easily, are made of noncombustible materials and are big enough to catch dripping wax. All candles should be extinguished upon leaving the room or going to sleep.

Smokers need to be extra careful about leaving burning cigarettes in ashtrays. Ashtrays should be heavy and large enough to not tip over easily. The best way to make sure cigarette and cigar butts are out is to douse them with water before throwing them in the wastebasket. Matches and lighters should be kept out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet.


Testing smoke alarms

It is recommended that homeowners check out their smoke alarms at least once a month by using the test button on the device. It is not recommended to use an open-flame device to test the alarm since this could cause a burn or fire. A chirping sound will indicate a low battery. A good time to change the battery every year is when it's time to change the clock from daylight-saving time to standard time in the fall. Smoke alarms should be replaced once every 10 years.

It is also important to keep the smoke alarm dust-free by vacuuming or dusting it on a regular basis. Although it's tempting at times, never borrow a battery from the smoke alarm. Make sure every family member can hear and identify the sound of the alarm and knows what to do.


Fire escape plans

A fire escape plan can mean the difference between life and death. Fire can ignite and spread very quickly throughout the home, so it's important to be prepared and react immediately when the smoke alarm goes off. The following tips from the National Fire Protection Association will help in the development and practice of a home fire escape plan.

Get everyone to participate in making the fire escape plan. Draw a floor plan and identify two ways out of each room, including windows. Mark the location of each smoke alarm. If a home has security bars, make sure they are the quick-release kind so they can be opened immediately in case of fire. Practice the fire escape plan at least twice a year, with everyone in the family involved. Children or those with mobility issues will need someone assigned to assist them.

Finally, in the event of a fire, make sure to get out first, then call for help. Never go back inside until fire officials clear the way.

With a review of home hazards, smoke alarm testing and a little planning, it's easy to join the home fire prevention team.

For more information about fire prevention, visit www.nfpa.org.