3 minute read
Fire Hazards You May Overlook
Imagine: It’s nighttime and you are asleep in your room when a strange distant sound stirs you. Then comes a smell you can’t place. Could someone be cooking at this hour? Unlikely. You sit up and your confusion clears as your vision blurs. The distant sound comes into focus as the piercing ringing of your smoke detector. Smoke bellows under the door and you need to get out quickly. Fire experts agree that occupants generally have less than two minutes to escape a house fire due to synthetic materials used in home construction and furniture production. How did this happen?
As uncomfortable as it is to think of dangerous scenarios, the Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) encourages residents to take charge of their home safety and check for all fire hazards, especially those that are easily overlooked.
Plan, Practice Your Escape
Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit. Plans should designate an adult for each child and vulnerable person in the home. Remember young children will become scared and confused, often hiding in familiar places in the face of an emergency. Take opportunities to introduce children to their local firefighters, teaching them to never hide from first responders. Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
Find more safety tips from WFD at www.westerville.org/fire.
Recognize These Items?
IN THE KITCHENTake a close look at your stovetop. Are there any items near the burners that could catch fire? Stacked mail, paper towels and cooking products can be easily overlooked and take mere seconds to light when exposed to a heat source.
Inspect your microwave. Ensure the vent is free of obstructions and all flammable items are far from the unit.
THROUGHOUT THE HOMEReview the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website (www.cpsc.gov/recalls) to see if any items in your home have been recalled for fire concerns.
Inspect extension cords and power strips regularly to ensure they are placed in areas free of clutter. Discard and replace any that show signs of fraying, burns or other damage. These items should be free of clutter and never overloaded.
IN YOUR LAUNDRY ROOMClean your dryer vent before and after each load. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 27% of dryer fires are caused by lint buildup. It is also important to regularly clean dryer ducts, where fires can smolder.
IN YOUR POCKET, ON YOUR LAPBe aware of electronics like laptops and cell phones that can overheat. If you feel these devices heating up, turn them off, remove charging devices and set them somewhere fire-safe to cool down.
IN YOUR GARAGECheck your garage and storage spaces to ensure all hazardous materials are stored correctly or disposed of per manufacturer guidelines. Check the City’s website for information about the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection.
IN YOUR BASEMENTRemove any clutter in contact with the furnace, boiler or water heater.
You Call, We Install
The Westerville Division of Fire partners with the American Red Cross to offer free smoke detectors and installation for Westerville and Blendon Township families. Email smokedetectors@westerville.org to schedule your appointment today.
