HOME FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Be Sure Smoke Alarms are:

• Installed on every level of your home, including the basement. 
• Inside and outside of every sleeping area for added protection. 
• Tested each month, by simply pressing the “Test” button.
• Replaced if they are more than 10 years old.

 Nearly 60% of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Steps to help keep you safe in your home:

•  Remain in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling, or simmering food. NEVER leave your cooking unattended.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. Turn off the stove if you are going to leave the room for any reason.
• Smokers should always choose to smoke outside. Many home fire deaths are a result of accidental cigarette fires. 
• Make sure all major appliances (i.e. refrigerator, dryer, washer, stove) are plugged DIRECTLY into appropriate outlets. 
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lithium-ion battery powered devices. Only use the battery designated for the device and the charging cord that came with the device.
• Keep children, pets and flammable materials at least three (3) feet from any heat source (fireplaces, space heaters, stoves, etc.)
• Blow out all candles if you need to leave the room or go to bed. NEVER leave lit candles unattended.
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Store lithium-ion batteries away from anything that can catch fire. Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. 
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms inside your home. CO alarms should be in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.

 If your smoke alarms do not work or you do not have a smoke alarm - we can help.  We will install FREE smoke alarms in your home and provide FREE safety education materials to your family.  Go to Hanover Park Fire Department FREE Smoke Alarm and Installation Program to sign up.  Or call (630) 823-5800 with questions or for more information.

Smoke alarms installed by the Hanover Park Fire Department are from the “Be Alarmed!” Smoke Alarm Installation Program, administered by Camp I Am Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. For additional home fire safety and prevention tips, visit www.IFSA.org.