KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – Fire safety in and around the home

We try to keep our families as safe as we can. It’s good every once in a while to make sure fire hazards are kept to a minimum around the house. There are easy ways to minimize the danger of fire.

In the house-

At least one smoke /carbon monoxide detector on every level and near every bedroom.

Have a working fire extinguisher in the home and make sure everyone knows how to use it.

Make a fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows two exits from every room and have a central meeting place outside so all can be accounted for. Have all windows able to be opened easily. Teach even the very youngest children their address and show them how to dial 911. Check and clean the furnace annually. Wood burning fireplaces and chimneys should always be checked by a professional. Make sure your electric panel is up to code. Over tapped circuits are a fire hazard.

Don’t overwork extension cords, actually use them as sparingly as possible. Always make sure to use a proper weight cord for the job. Cords should not be frayed or damaged. Never cover with rugs.

Outside the home-

Be safe grilling. Always have grills, both gas and charcoal, on a cement level surface away from anything flammable. Know the proper way to maintain your propane tank. Keep children and pets away from the grill. Working grills should be monitored at all times by a sober adult.

Make sure all flammable liquids are kept in properly labeled containers and kept out of the reach of children. Keep properly stored paint and rags. Paint rags can spontaneously combust as well as piles of brush and wood.

If you use a fire pit, care needs to be taken here too. Always place portable burners on a fire proof platform, not right on the wooden deck! Again, always monitored by a sober adult. Make sure fire is COMPLETELY out at the end of the night.

Take a little care and make sure everyone knows the rules for fire safety.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO