Fire Safety for New Homeowners

Since there are a lot of us who have moved or will be moving soon, I thought it would be a good idea to post a fire safety reminder.

Check all electical outlets and cords, and ensure they are not fire hazards.

Check that existing smoke detectors are in working order, or install new ones.

Install a carbon monoxide detector.

Look around your neighborhood for the nearest fire hydrant - this may actually effect your homeowners insurance rates.

Visit your local fire station and ask about their area of coverage, and for 'Tot Finder' stickers for your windows, if you have children. We learned that our closest fire house is not even in Saint James - we are actually in Nesconset's fire district.

Good to know...we're moving on Saturday.
Thanks for the tips

Thanks Claud ! We are actually in the process of re-wiring and putting in a new circuit breaker. I definitely want to install a carbon monoxide detector before we move in!

also be careful with those halogen lamps...

here is a story from News12 warning of the dangers due to the tragic fire in Coram over the weekend:

News12

Also keep a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen..make sure you know how to use it beforehand

Michelle, thanks for your tip. I just realized that I have NO idea how to operate a fire extinguisher.

Going to check that out RIGHT NOW!

Also, if you have the bedrooms on the upper level make sure you buy a fire ladder or have one in each bedroom. Also, have more than one fire extinguisher in your home. One in the kitchen, one in a basement, one in the attic and one in your bedroom.
My only concern with TOT Finders is on the main level robbers often target that window, since they know an adult is sleeping in that room.
The fire dept. also has Pet Finder stickers that you can put on your window.

Also - make sure the kitchen fire extinguisher is for the right type of fires (grease, for one) and that it is stored near a room exit, and away from the stove so you can get it without getting near the flames, and have a way to exit if needed - you don't want to get trapped when you run for the fire extinguisher.

Remember too - don't use water on a grease fire. If it's small, throw a lid on the pan to help put out the flames.

This is turning into a great thread you guys! When I started it, Paul was hungry and cranky, so I couldn't add some other things that I wanted to mention (like the fire ladders in upstairs rooms).

Actually, a good friend of mine who is a fireman suggested not actually installing them - especially since we have a little guy who will be walking in NO TIME FLAT. He suggested getting the ladders that fit over the window frames, but can be stowed in nearby closets until needed.

Also - NEVER leave your clothes dryer on during the night or when you are leaving your home. Did you know that the large majority of household fires are started b/c of the clothes dryer? And - be sure to have your dryer vent cleaned when you move in...the lint and dust that collects in there is *highly* flammable.

And dont forget to check the attic throughly!
My brother found a temporary construction outlit that must have been forgotten sitting right next to insalation.