Home Safety

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Major Causes of Fire in the Home

Smoking: Careless smoking is the leading cause of residential fire deaths. Smoke detectors and smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents.
Arson: Arson is the second largest cause of residential fires and residential fire deaths. In commercial properties, arson is the major cause of deaths, injuries and dollar loss.
Heating: Heating is the third leading cause of residential fire deaths. Heater fires are the leading cause of fire deaths in the southeastern U.S.; wood stoves are particularly a problem in the northern U.S.
- NFPA Home Heating Safety Video
Cooking: Cooking is the leading cause of apartment fires and the second most frequent cause of single-family residential fires. These fires often result from unattended cooking and human error, rather than from mechanical failures of stoves or ovens.

Candle Safety

Burn candles within a one-foot circle, free of anything that can burn.
Before you go out, blow it out; never leave candles burning unattended.
Always extinguish candles after use.
Use a non-combustible saucer or candleholder.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.

Chimneys, Woodstoves, & Space Heater Safety

Use of unvented liquid fired space heaters is prohibited by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148 Section 5a.

Any type of heating device must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and adhere to any local ordinances or codes. Even when used properly, these items still pose a threat to safety.

Always read and follow the directions in the instruction booklet.
Install a photo electric smoke detector.
Use the heater only during waking hours. Don't use it overnight or at any time while sleeping.
Place the heater away from combustible materials such as curtains, bedding, clothing, papers and other flammable materials.
Keep the heater out of traveled areas so that pets or humans do not bump it while walking by.
Clean and maintain the heater per manufacturer's requirements.
Purchase a unit that has an automatic cut-off switch which will turn the heater off automatically if it is tipped over. Verify if electric heaters have one.

Read the manufacturer's recommendations before using.

Keep away from water (sinks, showers, bathtubs) to prevent electric shock.
Do not use an extension cord.
Do not overload the circuit by plugging in multiple appliances into the same outlet.
Never leave a space heater unattended or leave children or pets alone in a room with a space heater

Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety Video

Gasoline/Flammable Liquid/Oily Rags Safety

Do-it-yourself projects often involve using products with high VOC’s (volatile organize compounds) which makes them flammable. Examples of these products are oil- based paints and stains, varnishes and polyurethane, paint thinners, etc. Oily rags have a long history of being a source of fire, because people are not aware that they have the ability to spontaneously combust and catch on fire. For a fire to exist, it needs heat, oxygen and fuel. Oily rags that get folded or balled up and tossed on the floor have the danger of going through a process that starts with oxidation. As the oil is drying on the rag, it produces heat, and air gets trapped in the folds or balled up portions. Heat and oxygen are combined in addition to the rag, which is usually made of combustible cloth that can become a source of fuel. Heat, oxygen and fuel are all that is needed to create a fire, which is why oily rags that are not disposed of properly can create a fire that people are not prepared for.

How to Dispose of Oily Rags:

Oil or gas-soaked rags should be safely disposed of after use using two steps:
Hang them outside to dry in a safe area or spread them out flat, making sure they are weighted down outdoors. They should not be in a pile.
Once they are dry, they should be disposed of properly.
For somebody who uses oily rags on a daily or weekly basis, the oily rags should be placed in a listed oily waste container and emptied by a private contractor.
For a less frequent user, the now dry oily rags should be stored in a small, airtight, non-combustible (such as metal) container with a tight-fitting lid. An old paint can is a good example. The rags should be completely covered with a solution of water and an oil breakdown detergent. Do not add any other combustible material (stuff that can catch fire). The user should then dispose of the rags during a city-sponsored hazardous waste collection day.

Home Oxygen

Portable Home Oxygen Safety Video

Carbon monoxide

Dryer Fires

Clean the filter screen after each load to prevent lint buildup, which can cause fires.
Stay home when the dryer is in use.
Clean the vents to outside twice a year to clean out any accumulated dust and lint.
Vacuum the motor area. The dust and lint in the vent area can ignite if it gets hot. You may need to remove a panel in order to get to the motor area.
Commercial dryers should be cleaned out regularly because of their frequent use and shared venting system.
Don't dry mop heads in the dryer! The dryer's heat can ignite the chemical residue on mop heads.
Keep the surrounding area clean. The dryer's heat may ignite anything left too close to the dryer.

Home Emergency Escape Plan

For a home or apartment, you should have at the very least, one smoke detector on each floor.
Every home and apartment should have an escape plan.
This is a plan that is drawn up, reviewed and actually practiced by each member of a given household.
Every room should have two routes to safety; first would be a door, second would either be a door in an opposing direction or a window.
If you live in a high rise building, never use the elevator; always use the stairs.
There should be an agreed upon area for all members to meet to be sure that all people are out safely.
If a member is missing, advise a Public Safety Officer immediately. Do not attempt to re-enter a burning house!
As you leave the building, try to shut doors and windows behind you to hinder the advance of flames.
If you must exit through smoke, stay low to the floor. You should crawl on your hands and knees.
Family Escape Plan Video