STAYING SAFE

STAYING SAFE
Fire prevention
If you have papers or rags stored next to your basement's furnace or hot water heater, you could be flirting with a house fire. Lt. Tom Roberts of the Boardman Fire Prevention Bureau said an ounce of fire prevention can save your life. "Identifying possible threats within your home is one of the most important steps toward fire prevention," Roberts said. Here are some tips to keep fires from starting in your home:
FIREPLACE SAFETY
If you have a fireplace, use a screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
Don't store newspapers, kindling or matches near the fireplace, and don't place rugs in front of the fireplace.
Each year before the weather turns cold, have your chimney inspected by a professional.
Install a chimney spark arrester to prevent fires on the roof.
When lighting a gas fireplace, strike the match first and then turn the gas on.
FURNACE SAFETY
Have your furnace inspected by a professional before the start of the heating season.
Don't store papers, rags or other combustible materials near a furnace, hot water heater or space heater.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from the wall and don't leave them unattended.
Never use extension cords to operate a space heater.
KITCHEN SAFETY
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, at least 10 feet away from the stove.
Never pour water on a grease fire.
Don't store items on the top of the stove, and keep pot handles pointed back while burners are in use.
Where tight-fitting clothing while you cook. Loose, flowing garments can easily catch fire if they brush against a hot burner.
Clean the exhaust hood over the stove often.
ELECTRICAL DANGERS
Never use frayed or worn extension cords and make sure all extension cords bear the Underwriters Laboratories approval label.
Never run extension cords under rugs.
Never overload an electrical socket.
Check periodically for loose wall receptacles or loose lighting fixtures.
To prevent overheating, allow adequate air space around televisions, stereos and lamps.
In many older homes, the capacity of the wiring system cannot handle the demand of modern appliances. Signs of an overloaded electrical system include dimming lights when an appliance is turned on, a shrinking TV picture or fuses that blow frequently. If you notice any of these signs, call an electrician for help.
IF YOU SMOKE
Never smoke in bed.
Don't smoke when you are drinking or you are extremely fatigued.
Use large, deep ashtrays and empty them often.
Never dump an ashtray into the garbage without wetting the ashes first.
Sources: Lt. Tom Roberts of the Boardman Fire Prevention Bureau, and the National Fire Prevention Association's Web site.