Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois


Share the article:  Facebook    Twitter 

June 28, 2013

Fit Facts: Fireproof Your Home

When it comes to fire prevention, safety begins at home. Working smoke alarms reduce the chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50 percent. For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in each bedroom. Use Daylight Savings Time as a reminder to replace your batteries even if alarms are wired directly into your home’s electrical system. If your alarm is more than 10 years old, you should install a new one.

To help fireproof every room of your house, use this handy list of questions as a guide.

Kitchen

  • Are flammable items, including potholders and towels, stored away from the stove?
  • Do you avoid wearing loose sleeves, which can easily catch fire, around the stove?
  • Are matches and lighters kept out of children’s reach?
  • Is there a dry chemical fire extinguisher in your kitchen? Do you know how to use it?

Living Room and Dining Room

  • Do you blow out candles before you leave the room?
  • Do you stay in the room with young children if a fireplace is lit?

Bedrooms and Closets

  • Are beds located at least three feet away from a radiator or portable heater?
  • Are children sleeping in flame-resistant sleepwear?

 Basement

  • Are flammable products kept in tightly closed, non-glass containers? Do you store these products far from gas appliances, including heaters, furnaces and water heaters?
  • Do you have your furnace cleaned and inspected at least once a year?
  • Do you empty the dryer vent each time you use the dryer?

Outside

  • Do you remove grease or fat buildup in trays below your grill so it cannot catch on fire?
  • Is your grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois invites you to join the conversation this month on our Facebook pages and Twitter as we share more home safety tips and advice.

Sources: Home Safety Council, U.S. Fire Administration

 
.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,
an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.