Spring Into Safety

Spring is here once again. Check out the spring season fire safety tips below that will help ensure you and your family a fire free entrance to summer 2010!

Kitchen

• Establish a “safety area” in your kitchen to keep small children confined and away from hot surfaces, hot liquids, and flames.
• Allow appliances to cool before putting them away.  Never wrap cords around warm appliances.
• Do not leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep all paper and cloth materials away from heat sources.
• To prevent pot handles from getting bumped or grabbed, turn them inward toward the middle of the stove.
• Be consistent in cleaning grease and food off the stove.
• Check exhaust filters for dirt and grease build-up. Clean them on a regular basis.
• Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves while cooking; loose sleeves could easily catch fire.
• Do not hold children while cooking.
• Use only microwave safe dishes in the microwave; never microwave metal dishes.

Yard and Garage

• Clear your yard of leaves, debris, and other combustible rubbish.
• Make sure that mulch is at least a foot away from your home with a non-combustible barrier in between, such as rock.
• Store gasoline in a strong, metal safety-type can with self-closing caps on the openings.
• If your garage is attached to your home, make sure they are separated by a tight-fitting door which is kept closed.

Housekeeping

• Clear basements, closets, and attics of old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture, and other combustible odds and ends.
• Place used oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal containers.
• Store paint and varnish in tightly covered containers away from sources of heat.
• Keep matches out of children’s reach.
• Install child safety latches on all drawers and cabinets containing harmful products.
• Keep cleaning products in their original containers with the original labels.

You can find further safety tips for you and your family by visiting http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/index.cfm?c=51470.

Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!

April 12, 2010