In the Home

Fire Prevention Tips

1. Check your smoke alarm batteries twice a year. Usually when you change your clocks.

2. Stay by the stove when cooking, especially when frying food.

3. Store matches in lighters in a locked cabinet, away from small children.

4. When finished with a candle, make sure it is out when everyone has left the room.

5. Never smoke in bed. If you do smoke, make sure to properly discard your cigarettes when you are finished.

6. Make an escape plan to put in action if a fire occurred.

7. Teach your kids how to Dial 911, and what information they should provide to the dispatcher.

8. With younger children, practice STOP, DROP, and ROLL!

9. Keep atleast one fire extinguisher in your house, and your garage. Teach every household member to use it.

10. When using space heaters, keep them atleast 3 feet away from anything that may burn, such as the wall or drapes.

Baby-Sitter Safety Check List

1.  Get parents permission before accepting a job and give them the name, address, and phone number to where you are going to be.

2.  Arrange safe transportation to and from; never take a ride from someone that you do not know!

3.  Take a flashlight with you and keep phone information for where you are at, with you at all times.

4.  Write down the phone number that you can reach the parents or grandparents or trusted neighbor.

5.  When arriving, check the following:

a)  All doors and windows and how they work.

b)  Location and operation of smoke detectors (have parents test it for you).

c)  Location of fire extinguisher(s).

d)  Knowledge of home escape plan.

e)  Location of all phones.

f)  Child's favorite hiding place.

g)  Utility shut offs (electricity / gas / water)

h)  Type of heating system

I)  Outside lighting

J)  Use of kitchen appliances if you are to prepare meals

k)  Be familiar with basement and attic access

l)  Write down all instructions parents give you before they leave and ask any questions that you might have.

Safety Tips for the Holidays

1. When decorating outside, use properly set ladders.

2. Use proper holders for candles.

3. Never leave candels unattended, and extinguish before you go to bed.

4. Don't over load electrical outlets.

5. Use proper sized extension cords, and place them were someone can't trip over them.

6. Use non-flammable decorations when decorating trees.

7. Real trees should be freshly cut on an angle and kept in water continuously.

8. Place trees away from heat sources.

9. Inspect lights and electrical cords.

10. When your tree becomes dry, discard it immediately.

11. Make sure all cooking appliances are clean and working properly.

12. Wear tight fitting clothes and keep other combustables such as pot holders and towels away from stoves, hot plates, and other heat sources.

13.  Keep pot handels turned to the back of the stove.

14. Keep small children and toddlers out of the cooking area. (Remember, hot liquid spills such as coffee burn many children each year)

15. When traveling, check directions and consider road closures and detours.

16. Allow time for weather conditions.

17. Have your vehicle checked for proper operation including wipers, washer fluid, correct tires and air pressure, and a good battery and proper coolant.

18. Carry an emergency kit compatable to weather conditions. It should include anti skid, a small shovel, jumper cables, flash light, blanket, drinking water, and non perishable food items.

If an emergency should occur, provide for your safety and call 911. Give the location and type of emergency to the dispatcher first. Stay on the line with the 911 dispatcher until they have told you other wise.