Fire needs three elements to spread; oxygen, fuel and a source of ignition.
Maintain good housekeeping habits – eliminate clutter.
Follow safety procedures carefully when using wood stoves, open heaters, fireplaces and furnaces.
Never smoke in bed and dispose of butts carefully before retiring.
Be certain to store matches in a container with a tight fitting lid and out of the reach of children.
Be sure to have wood burning stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and flues cleaned and inspected regularly.
Burn small, hot fires in fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Never freshen a dying fire by squirting a flammable liquid onto it.
Only use portable heaters in case of emergencies or if existing heat systems are not working or cannot be modified to heat certain areas of your home.
Always use the correct fuel when using kerosene heaters. Provide adequate ventilation. Never refuel a hot unit. Keep flammable and combustible materials away from heaters. Always turn kerosene heaters off when you leave the house or retire for the night.
Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood or materials manufactured for clean, wood burning use.
Use a set of heat resistant glass doors or a fire screen on fireplaces. Never leave a fire unattended.
Irons, hotplates, toasters and space heaters should be unplugged when not in use.
Always have wood burning stoves and fireplaces installed by a professional. Have the installer return annually for a proper inspection. Be sure to eliminate dangerous creosote levels in chimneys.
Avoid using extension cords with portable, electric heaters. If you must use one, be sure the cord has a power rating heavy enough to carry the voltage, but this in not recommended.
Never cook when wearing loose, long sleeved clothing.
Keep all combustibles away from stove top burners.
Use back burners whenever possible and never allow pan handles to extend over the front of the stove.
Use good smoke detectors and replace batteries at least every six months. Test smoke detectors monthly or upon your return from an extended absence.
If you have to answer the phone, door or a child’s request while cooking with oil, remove the pan from the stove and shut off the burner.
Always store gasoline and other flammable liquids in outbuildings. These must be stored in approved safety containers.
Try to purchase only the quantity of flammable liquids as you need at one time.
Never freshen charcoal fires by squirting hot coals with flammable liquid. Never leave a charcoal fire or barbecue unattended.
Clear dead branches, dry leaves and any tinder vegetation from your yard.
Use caution during holidays. Jack-O-Lanterns, Christmas trees, candles and decorations of some types can be fire hazards if not used properly.