Protecting Your Home from Fire

It only takes a matter of minutes for a home to be completely ravaged and destroyed by fire, but most home fires can be prevented. It all starts be being aware that the danger exists, and then taking the necessary steps to safeguard against fire in your home. In many cases, you don’t have to lose your home and possessions to fire, if you think ahead and take action now. Even though you likely have protection against fire with your homeowner’s insurance coverage, that money can’t replace your memories, your photographs, and other memorabilia you may have.

Candles are very popular nowadays, to add that extra romantic feel to a home, or even for fragrance. While candles are beautiful when lit, they can pose a real threat to your home, particularly if left unattended. If you have candles in your home, you should make certain that you blow them out whenever you leave the room, even if only for a few minutes. In the amount of time it takes you to go answer the door, your home could catch on fire thanks to an unattended candle. Never place candles near anything that could catch on fire, such as curtains, furniture, clothing, papers, etc. Even if your candle is placed in a heavy glass holder, it could still get hot enough to break the glass, creating a very real fire hazard.

When you use appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers, waffle irons, etc., make certain that you immediately unplug them when you are finished. Never leave them plugged up, as this could definitely cause a fire in the right circumstances. Even if you turn the power off of the item, it still isn’t safe until it is unplugged from the power source. Remember that these items get very hot, and if placed next to any kind of flammable material, could also be a potential fire hazard.

You should check all of your power cords at least once every three months, and maybe even more often if you have pets or small children. Frayed cords, either from frequent use, age, or mistreatment, could very easily cause a fire to occur in your home, so it is important not to overlook this task.

If you have children at home, you should teach them about the dangers or fire, and what to do in case a fire did occur. Talk to them about how matches, lighters, etc., could cause potential fires, and why they should never play with these items. If your children are home alone, they shouldn’t try to cook their own food, opting instead to eat foods that come straight from the cabinet or refrigerator instead, as cooking could also cause a potential fire. If you aren’t sure that your children can obey these rules, then they should not be left home alone.

Make certain that you have working alarms and extinguishers located throughout your home. Test them on a regular basis to make certain they are in good repair. Teach your children and everyone in your home how and when to use an extinguisher, and have them checked frequently as well, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

USDA: Back to School Food Safety Tips for Parents and Students (Centre Daily Times)

It's time to pull out the backpacks and clean the lunch boxes as children head back-to-school this month. Packing safe lunches for school and for work is critically important. Since September is also National Food Safety Education Month(R), the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education are providing tips to help parents keep their children and ...

Back to school safety tips for all (Wickenburg Sun)

With the start of each new school year, students are once again rushing to be on time, parents are getting them on their way, and drivers are going about their business, but experts say all could heed some advice on safety.

School bus safety tips (The Mechanicsville Local)

Tips for staying safe this yearWith the 2008-09 term starting Tuesday, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office reminds all motorists to be aware of school zones and that deputies will be conducting high visibility patrols to keep students safe. Patrol deputies will be observing several school bus stops and, in some cases, will follow the school bus for the duration of its morning or afternoon bus ...

Food Safety Tips for Parents and Students Heading Back to School (Kansas City InfoZine)

It's time to pull out the backpacks and clean the lunch boxes as children head back-to-school this month. Packing safe lunches for school and for work is critically important.

Police give safety tips on school zone etiquette (Texarkana Gazette)

The onset of a new school year means extra precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of all children on area roadways.