Fire Safety Tips at Home
According to the National Safety Council, a home fire is reported every 86 seconds. It's best to make sure all efforts are being made as to not become part of this statistic.
Here are some key tips to help keep you and your family safe:
- Check your smoke alarms. They should be located on each level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in each bedroom. All batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
- Create and practice a fire escape plan. See "Creating a Home Fire Escape Plan" for assistance.
- If you live in an apartment, and don't hear the fire alarm going off, pull the nearest fire alarm on your way out.
- If you are stuck inside, cover all areas where smoke may enter such as under a door.
- Be mindful of flammable materials. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Keep candles at least 12 inches from flammable materials.
- Do not over use outlets with several appliance cords into one socket. Extension cords are to be used as a temporary solution and typically expire after one year.
- Stay aware in the kitchen and keep things such as dishtowels and wooden spoons away from stove tops or anything with excessive heat.
- Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to contain ashes within the fireplace, and opt to protect it with a gate if you have children near the fireplace.
- Teach kids to never play with matches or lighters.
- In the event of a fire, get out then call 911.
General Safety at Home
Home Safety is being aware of risks, hazards and dangers at home in order to prevent tragedy. According to the National Safety Council, poisoning is the #1 cause of unintentional deaths in America. Lake County is fortunate to have the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL (SWALCO) as a resource available to us. Please check the SWALCO website for comprehensive information regarding household chemical waste, what it means, and how to properly discard unused products to the residents of Lake County without causing harm to the environment.
Here are a few more resources regarding household safety:
- Home Fire Safety from the Red Cross.
- Safety in the Home & Community by the Center for Disease Control.
- Poison Control through the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
- Household Hazardous Waste through the Environmental Protection Agency.
If you ever think you or a family member is experiencing an emergency, please dial 911. The above links are intended for preventative purposes, not as solutions to an incident.