Crime & Safety
Fire Prevention Week: O'Fallon Fire Provides Home Safety Checklist
O'Fallon Fire Protection District shares tips to secure your home and keep your family safe.
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the shared a home check list to keep your family safe from fires.
Kitchen
According to the O'Fallon Fire Protection District, cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires in O'Fallon. Following these tips may help prevent fire in your home.
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- Never leave your kitchen while you're cooking.
- While cooking, keep a lid nearby to cover a fire if it gets out of hand.
- Make sure small appliances are turned off and unplugged after use.
- Keep clutter away from toasters and stoves.
- Make sure pot handles are turned inward so they won't be knocked down.
- Oven fires are stopped by closing the door and turning off the heat.
Outside
- Make sure your address is visible during the day and night. Home owners with longer drive-ways should make sure their house number is posted at the end of the street.
- Families should discuss a safe meeting place outside in case of an emergency.
Front Door
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- Make sure there are no double key locking dead bolts or clutter around the doors that would make it difficult to get out of your home quickly during a fire emergency.
Laundry Room
- Always clean the lint trap of your dryer after every use and vacuum the back of your dryer and lint trap twice a year.
Bedroom
- Close bedroom doors while sleeping.
- No smoking in bed.
- Keep flammable objects away from heaters.
Garage
- Keep electrical items are unplugged.
- Store rags away from flammable liquids.
- Keep no more than five gallons of gas stored in a proper container.
Smoke Alarms
- Install one in each bedroom and in the hallway of each level of your home.
- Test your alarms monthly to ensure they are working properly.
- Change your alarm batteries every year and replace them every 10 years.
- Note: Chirping smoke alarms need new batteries.
Other
- Keep matches, lighters and smoking material away from children.
- Make sure a working fire extinguisher is kept on hand and occupants know how to use it.
- Always call 911 if there is a fire.
- Make sure electrical outlets are not overloaded and cords are in good condition with no cracks or frays.
For further information or for assistance inspecting your home for fire safety, contact the O’Fallon Fire Protection District at 636-272-3493 or visit their website.
Information provided by the O'Fallon Fire Protection District.
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