Fire Prevention Tips

Smoke Detectors

• Consider installing a smoke detector in your house.
• Check your smoke detectors monthly, and replace the batteries in them in the spring and fall when you adjust your clocks.
• Install at least one smoke detector on each floor of your house, away from air vents, and at least six" away from walls and corners.
• Install smoke detectors near bedrooms.
• If there are any smokers in the house, install a smoke detector in their bedroom.
• If your smoke detector sounds while you are in bed, don't sit up! Roll out of bed, and stay low to the floor. Remember, heat and toxic gases are up higher.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

• If you burn anything in your house - such as wood, natural gas, propane, kerosene, or coal - install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. This device can warn you of potentially deadly CO gas before the concentration reaches the harmful level.
• Learn the warning signs of CO poisoning: redness of the skin, headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, loss of muscle control, chest tightness, heart fluttering, sleepiness, confusion, vomiting, or diarrhea. If more than one person in the household is sick, and they feel better after being away from the house for a while, CO poisoning should be suspected. If you suspect CO poisoning, get out of the house and call the Fire Department immediately.