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Fire Damage Prevention Steps

Here are some valuable steps that you can take to ensure a safe environment and avoid fire damage.
 
CHIMNEYS
Creosote residue or other matter can clog your chimney and catch fire! Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually and use a cap to prevent debris clogging the flue.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS  AND FUSES
These must operate properly to prevent overloading circuits. Inspect breakers annually to insure they are not corroded and can be tripped to the off position; replace malfunctioning circuit breakers. When replacing fuses, do not increase the rating; when in doubt use 15 amp.

CLOTHES DRYERS
Insure vent and filter are clear of lint accumulation which can cause this appliance to overheat.

ELECTRICAL CORDS
Damaged or brittle cords can cause shorts, shocks or fires and must be replaced. Do not place cords under rugs or attach to walls with staples. Remove cords from outlets by holding the plug. Pulling on the cord can cause a short inside the plug which will not be visible. Check the rating on the cord which should exceed the requirement of appliances plugged into it. Remove cords near sinks or bathtubs; wet cords can short out and start a fire.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
These should be kept in well ventilated areas and securely sealed in appropriate containers.

FURNACES
Gas furnaces should be inspected periodically for cracks in burners and heat exchangers. Of particular concern are horizontal units often installed in attics. Cracks in these units can allow flames to be forced outside the unit which can burn structural members. Also, furnace filters must be replaced periodically to prevent the furnace from overheating from overwork.

GROUND FAULT INTERRUPTERS
Install these to replace regular outlets on each circuit and prevent injury from shock.

LIGHT BULBS
Never cover with flammable material. Do not use bulbs exceeding the rating of the fixture.

OVERLOADED CIRCUITS
Too many applications connected to a single outlet or circuit overloads the circuit. Repeated tripping of circuit breakers indicates overloading.

REFRIGERATOR
Clean the coils which are typically accessible under the unit. When coils become coated with grime and dust, their cooling ability diminishes. Overheating can cause an electrical fire.

RUBBISH
Do not allow rubbish to accumulate.

SMOKE DETECTORS
Place a detector outside each bedroom. Test weekly and if battery operated, replace batteries annually.

SPACE HEATERS
Never place near furniture or curtains.

STOVES
Never leave a stove on and unattended. This is one of the most common causes of fire. Keep towels and flammable materials away from stove tops. Replace control knobs if you cannot clearly read the "off" setting. 

WIRING
All inside wiring should be properly insulated. Faulty wiring can cause fire. When adding or repairing wiring, a qualified person must do the work.