HOME SAFETY

Your home is your sanctuary, and safety is key to keeping it that way — follow these safety guidelines to help protect your loved ones and property.

Electrical

The 2023 national estimates for electrical malfunction fires (residential) show there were 23,700 fires with 305 deaths and 800 injuries. Help protect your home by following key safety guidelines.

Professional Inspections and Repairs

• Have all electrical work performed by a qualified electrician to meet safety standards.

• If you experience flickering lights, tripped breakers, discolored outlets, sparks, or a burning smell from appliances or outlets, contact a qualified electrician immediately.

• When buying or remodeling a home, have the electrical system inspected to identify and address any potential hazards.

Safe Usage

• Major appliances — such as dryers, washers, stoves, and refrigerators — must be plugged directly into wall outlets. Never use extension cords or power strips for these appliances.

• Plug only one heat-producing small appliance into a wall outlet at a time.

• Unplug small appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, and space heaters when they’re not in use.

• Use extension cords only as a temporary solution and never run them under carpets or across doorways.

• Replace appliances with damaged cords, plugs, or controls immediately.

Lithium-ion Batteries

• Lithium-ion battery fires are a growing concern, with incidents increasing alongside the popularity of devices like e-bikes and scooters. 

• While they are relatively rare compared to all house fires, lithium battery fires can be intense, spread quickly, and release toxic gases, posing significant risks.

• Improper charging, physical damage, faulty batteries, and using counterfeit or low-quality batteries are common causes of these fires. 

• Follow these safety tips when using lithium-ion batteries:
  • When purchasing devices, look for the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Mark. The UL mark shows that the product has been tested to nationally recognized safety standards.
  • Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device.
  • When purchasing a new battery, buy the manufacturer’s battery that is compatible with your device. Do not seek alternative battery options.
  • More safety information on lithium batteries

 

E-Micromobility Safety

• Electric micromobility includes any small, low-speed, electric-powered transportation device, including electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight wheeled electric-powered conveyances.
• Battery and Device DO's:
  • If possible, charge your device outside.
  • Keep your batteries and device at room temperature.
  • Plug your device charger directly into a wall outlet.
  • Store and charge batteries away from anything flammable.
  • Monitor your battery for any odors, changes in shape or color, leaking, or odd noises.
  • If you notice any of these conditions, discontinue use immediately. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.
• Battery and Device DON'Ts:
  • Do not charge your device near exits and points of egress, including your apartment door, bedrooms door, and windows (particularly near a window with a fire escape).
  • Do not charge your device in your bedroom.
  • Do not charge your device on any surface other than the floor.
  • Do not place your battery or charge in direct sunlight.
  • Do not charge using an extension cord.
  • Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Household Hazardous Waste and should be disposed of at a S.A.F.E. center. 

Smoke Alarms 

Smoke alarms save lives. 

Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms

When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Proper Placement

• Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home — including basements.

Testing and Replacement

• Test all smoke alarms monthly, ensuring everyone in the home knows the sound.

• Replace smoke alarms that fail to respond when tested or are more than 10 years old.

• Consider interconnected smoke alarms so they all sound together when one is triggered.

Escape Plans

• Review and practice your home fire escape plan with all household members each time you test the alarms.

Smoke Alarms - for more information and resources

CandleS

 Three of every five candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle. Take special care during December, it is the peak month for home candle fires.

• Never leave a candle burning unattended. Blow out all candles when you leave the room.

• Never use a candle if home oxygen (O2) is in use.

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

• Avoid using candles in bedrooms or where someone could fall asleep.

• Place candles out of reach of children and pets.

• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during  a power outage. Never use candles

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won't tip over easily.

   

   

Home Escape Plan

• Beyond having smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, it’s also essential to have an escape plan in case of an emergency. Everyone in your household should help make the plan and practice it regularly

  • Plan:
    • Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits. Be sure all escape routes and hallways are clear of clutter and storage. 
    • Consider drawing a floor plan of your home and mapping two ways out for each sleeping area. If you live in an apartment building with three or more units, review its fire safety plan.
    • Teach everyone in your home how to unlock and open windows, doors and all security devices.
    • Remind everyone to close doors behind them as they exit.
    • Designate family members responsible for waking children or older adults.
    • Agree on a meeting place outside your home.
    • Stress the importance of calling 911 once in a safe location.
    • More resources to help you create a home escape plan
  • Practice:
    • Make household drills realistic. Since most fires happen overnight, start drills in sleeping areas and darken your home as if it is smoke filled.
    • Begin the drill with the sound of the smoke alarm.
    • Practice escaping through smoke by crawling low on hands and knees.
    • Follow your escape plan from the beginning all the way through to a your assigned meeting place outside your home.

• Keep a multi-purpose (Type ABC) fire extinguisher accessible.

  • Store it near an exit so you can quickly escape if the fire grows.

    • Practice how to use it with P.A.S.S.:

      • P-ull the pin, holding the extinguisher upright

      • A-im at the base of the fire from about 20 feet away

      • S-queeze the handle

      • S-weep the nozzle from side to side

      • Watch P.A.S.S. demo

• Sleep with bedroom doors closed to slow the spread of fire.

• If there’s smoke, stay low to the ground as you exit.

• Once outside, do not go back inside — wait for firefighters to rescue anyone trapped inside.