October 7-13, 2018
It’s National Fire Prevention Week!

 This year’s theme is: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”

Have you ever wondered how fire-safe your home is?  Are you sure that you have protected your family by practicing fire safety? We at Schaefer inspection Service would like to help you learn additional ways to safeguard your precious family members and belongings. Research shows that fires spread 7 times faster than 40 years ago. Newer building materials such as plastics and synthetics burn quickly. Also, homes today tend to have more open space where fires gain necessary oxygen to thrive and spread. Cooking is the leading cause of fires in homes.

Here are some tips that can easily increase your likelihood of avoiding the devastation of a fire in your home:

• Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home and outside all bedrooms (not inside bedrooms as you want to be warned before the fire advances into the room). Replace the batteries twice a year, when the clocks change.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen or back hall closet that you check/replace periodically….and learn how to use it. Never throw water on a grease fire…it will cause it to spread!
• Turn off burners on the stove and the oven before leaving the house.
• Use space heaters carefully and NEVER leave them unattended. Check the cord to be sure it is not frayed or has loose wires.
• Look throughout your home for places where fire can start. Move combustibles away from heat sources.
• Only plug ONE heat producing appliance into an outlet.
• Make a yearly service appointment for your heating system and chimney. Regular service will make it safer and will increase the life of the system.
• Be sure to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and change the batteries when you change those of the smoke detectors.
• Have a plan! Discuss with children and other family members what to do in case of smoke or fire. Re-visit the plan regularly, as needs may change.

Remember: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”