Fire safety is everyone’s concern and it is always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Please take a few minutes to review the following fire safety tips from the Dallas Fire Department.
General
- Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris, flammables and decorative materials.
- Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
- Keep clothes, towels and other combustibles away from the stove burners.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Be sure your stove and small appliances are off before going to bed.
- Check for frayed wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
- Never overload electrical sockets.
- Keep clothes, blankets, curtains and other combustibles at least three feet from portable heaters.
- Place portable heaters where they will not tip‐over easily (by pets or foot traffic).
Escape Planning
- Develop a fire escape plan with the members of your family and practice it often.
- Know two ways to exit from every room in your home.
- Make sure that safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home.
- Crawl low, under smoke.
- Feel closed doors. If hot, use another exit.
- Identify a place to meet outside in case of fire. Never re‐enter a burning building.
- Escape first. Then call 911 for emergency assistance.
Smoke Alarms
- Have a working fire alarm outside each sleeping area, inside each sleeping area and on each level of the home.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Do not change the battery if you have a lithium battery. The alarm will let out a periodic “chirp” when it needs to be changed.
- Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
- Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from the corners.
- When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
- Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries.