• Check for spilt flammable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid and paint thinners.
• Carefully clean any spilling and place the containers in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources.
ELECTRICITY
• If your house has been damaged by water or flooding and you can reach the fuse box or main break safely, shut down the power.
• Never assume that cables that are loose on the floor are not conductive. This includes television cords.
• Replace extension cords or torn and worn wires, loose plugs and contacts.
• Bare wires and connections are vital safety hazards and may also cause fires.
• Appliances issuing smoke or sparks must be replaced or repaired.
• Call an electrician to check your house for damage.
GAS
• Listen and smell to detect possible leaks in gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, abandon the house immediately and leave the doors open.
• Never light a match. Any flame, large or small, may cause an explosion.
• Before reopening the gas valve, have a professional check the entire system.
GENERATORS
• When using generators, follow manufacturing instructions.
• Do not use generators or any other fueled machine in enclosed places. Carbon dioxide emanations are odorless and pollutant.
• Use wires of the appropriate size and type to carry electrical charges. Overcharged wires may get heated and cause fires.
• Never run cables under the carpets where heat can build up and where they cannot be monitored for damage.
• Never plug generators to other electricity sources such as power lines. Electricity reverse flow or “feedback” may shock someone unknowingly working for the power company elsewhere.
HEATING
• Kerosene heaters may be illegal in your community and should only be used under authority approval.
• Do not use the kitchen to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard it can also be a source of toxic emanations.
• Alternative heaters need space. Keep flammable substances at least a meter away.
• Make sure that the alternative heaters have a “collapse switch”; these devices are designed to automatically shut down the heater in case it collapses.
• Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow the instructions.
• Never refill a heater while it is operating or hot.
• Fill the heaters only in outdoors.
• Make sure that wood stoves are installed appropriately, at least a meter away from flammable materials. Ensure that the supports are firm and ventilation is appropriate.
• Place a glass or metal screen in front of the chimney to avoid that carpets, furniture or other objects catch fire with a spark.
AND REMEMBER…
• Beware when using candles. Keep the flame away from flammable objects and away from the reach of children.
• Some smoke detecting alarms may depend of the electrical service in your home and as a result they may stop working if the power went out. Check if smoke detectors have a backup battery and replace it at least once a year.
• One smoke detector should be installed at each level of your house.
• It will be necessary to check the smoke detectors once a month. All batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
• If there is a water main near your house, keep it free of garbage and easily accessible for the fire department.
Go out safely!
