Did you know that October 8th through the 14th is Fire Prevention Week.  An awareness campaign that started on the fortieth anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, this week aims to spread awareness of how to prevent, prepare, and deal with fires.  Here are some ways to make sure that your Locust Grove home is prepared for a fire.

Check smoke detectors

Smoke detectors need to be tested monthly in order to ensure that they are working properly.  Make sure to test and change the batteries in them.  Also, whether it is a separate system or combined, now is also a great time to test the carbon monoxide detector too.

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are important to have on not only  in a kitchen but on every level of your home.  Small ones like these fit easily into a kitchen cabinet.  It is important to know that there are different types of fire extinguishers meant to rid your Locust Grove home of fire from different sources.

  • Class A:  extinguishes flames from common combustibles like wood, plastic, paper, or trash.
  • Class B:  extinguishes flames from flammable liquids like kitchen grease, gasoline, or paints
  • Class C:  extinguishes flames from electrical equipment like wires, circuit breakers, or appliances

When you purchase a fire extinguisher, make sure to check what the extinguisher is designed to do.  There are combination ones like these that will address different types of fires.

Inspect fireplaces and woodstoves

Before you turn on the fireplace or woodstove to heat your Locust Grove home, make sure to perform proper maintenance on it.  If you feel unsure, then you can always have an expert come to your home to make sure everything is in proper working order.  Fireplace screens, while decorative, should be heavy enough to prevent a log from rolling out of the fireplace and into your room.

Frayed wires should go away

Any damaged appliance cord should be replaced with a new one.  Don’t run cords underneath any rugs.  The weight from furniture sitting on top of the cord or from people walking on the cords can damage the cord without you realizing it.

Never overload an extension cord

If you’ve ever looked closely at a set of Christmas lights, there is a limit to the number of strings that you can tie together.  Likewise, extension cords can only hold so much before they overload. Even though it can be tempting, do not overload an extension cord with more than it can handle.

Pay attention to burn bans

During parts of the year, Locust Grove home have regulations as to what and when you can burn things outside.  Whether it’s lawn clippings or a bonfire, these burn bans are in place to help curb fires.  Dry weather conditions and a hint of a breeze can take a small spark from a fire and turn it into a massive problem.

Keep the grill away from the home

While it can be convenient to have your grill right outside the door on the porch of your Locust Grove home, it is best to have grills ten feet away from the siding of your home.  Keep the grill away from trees too.

Water the tree

Did you know that most fires happen in the fall and winter months and that the most common months for fires are December and January?  If you keep a live tree in your home for Christmas, then it is important to water it properly.  As the tree dries out, it becomes very flammable and the heat from lights can spark a fire.  

Have a plan

It is important for everyone in your Locust Grove home to have a plan in case of a fire.  Children need to know and practice the plan.  Your plan should include: 

How to get out of the house (multiple ways)

Where to meet

Who will call 911

You need to practice the plan too at different times of the day and night.