The following timely tips are brought to you courtesy of South Shore Security,
the Massachusetts leader for sound security solutions.

Cool heads prevail: Fire Safety and Prevention Tips
November 2003

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires from December through February. Most heating equipment fires involve space heaters. The following fire prevention tips will help you stay warm this season, without compromising your safety.

Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home. Place them high on the wall or mount them on the ceiling, away from any drafts and in or near bedrooms. Test your alarms monthly and replace the batteries once a year.

Stage fire drills with your family twice a year so they will know what to do in case of a fire. Devise an escape plan for everyone to follow and designate a meeting place outside your home to ensure that everyone has made it out safely.

Maintain all electrical items in good working order. Periodically check for potential hazards such as frayed cords, broken plugs and overloaded outlets.

Keep exits and passageways clear of clutter, tools and shoes.

Avoid using space heaters in the home. If they need to be used, keep them three feet away from anything flammable (blankets, curtains, furniture, etc.). Purchase a heater that has an automatic shut-off feature.

Fire extinguishers should be placed in the kitchen, garage and workshop. Know how to use them properly - and only attempt to use them on small fires.

If your clothes catch on fire, the old rule you learned in school still applies: STOP, DROP, and ROLL.

Keep items at least 12 inches away from the ceiling. If they are stacked too high, they may hamper the operation of sprinkler devices or block smoke alarms.

Have your chimney inspected and cleaned every year. Keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace with fire screens of heat-tempered glass or sturdy metal.

Nearly all of our time is spent indoors during the winter. Protect your family this season by taking the necessary precautions in and around your home.

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