Safety Tips
(PDF format. Requires Adobe Reader.) |
Family Values
While the focus of the H.E.A.T. Team is on a partnership approach, parents or guardians are the most influential people in a child's life. They have the primary responsibility to serve as role models, to be a source of comfort and support, to nurture and to teach, as well as provide the necessities for their children. An important part of this is to ensure a safe environment and teach safe behaviors. Take a look at a few ideas for making a safe and sound future for your family!
Take a Pro-Active Attitude
- Provide safe surroundings - Burn injuries often occur because of the child's natural curiosity and exploration of their environment or as a result of an inadvertent action by parent or caregiver.
- Set a good example - Install and maintain smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers per manufacturer’s directions, and always use fire in a safe manner.
- Take responsibility for fire safety - Point out to your children the fire safety rules you follow throughout the day and discuss the dangers of fire.
- Develop a positive identity - Children with positive self esteem are less likely to fall victim to peer pressure, and they tend to make better decisions and look towards their future.
- Empower your child - Teach your child a home escape plan, how to crawl low in smoke, and give them an understanding of situational awareness so they can provide themselves with a safe environment.
- Provide boundaries - Help your child understand responsible behaviors in various settings (home, school, neighborhood, etc.) and provide clear and consistent consequences for violating these rules.
- Nurture and support - A well nurtured child will seek advice and counsel prior to making decisions they don't fully understand, and they respect others.
- Invest time in your child - By committing time for them and making them your companion you help them acquire values such as integrity, honesty and responsibility.
Handling the Curiosity
- Control access to fire - Keep all ignition devices out of reach of children and teach them to notify an adult of they find them.
- Identify telltale signs - Check in waste baskets, under the beds, and in closets for burned matches or other evidence your child is misusing fire and, if you find evidence, react positively by using it as a teaching opportunity.
- Seek Help – Learn the lessons on this website as a family. You can contact your local Fire Department for a visit or more fire safety information. Don’t forget that some fire behaviors are a result of a more serious issue in a child’s life. If you feel that your child and family would benefit from further assistance in preventing inappropriate use of fire, please contact us at info@theheatteam.com.
Home Hazard Inspection Checklist
Kitchen
Make sure towel racks, curtains, decorations and any other combustibles are at least 3 feet from the cooking area.- If children are present use childproof safety latches or locks on all cabinets, especially those that contain cleaning materials and medications.
- Small appliances should be unplugged when not in use, especially those with a heat source. Coil cords behind unit, out of reach of children.
- Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Surge protectors should be used as needed.
- All electrical outlets and light switches should have cover plates.
- Electrical circuits should be GFCI protected near moisture areas.
- Clean your oven and stove once a month, including the stove hood and make sure it is properly vented outside.
- Make sure a fire extinguisher, 2A10BC, is mounted near the exit.
- Turn pan handles in while cooking to prevent a mishap. Never leave cooking unattended.
- Whenever cooking, keep a lid for the pan you are cooking with near the stove. It will be right where you want it if you need to slide it over a grease fire to extinguish it.
- Wear tight fitting sleeves while cooking to prevent your clothing from catching fire.
- Keep the output water temperature of your water heater under 120 degrees.
Bedrooms
Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Surge protectors should be used as needed.- All electrical outlets and light switches should have cover plates.
- Ensure 2 ways out of each room, fire escape ladder for 2nd floor rooms.
- Maintain a smoke alarm by testing monthly, replacing the battery at least once a year, and replacing the alarm every 10 years.
- Windows should be easily opened by any person using the room.
- Screens and locks are in place. Dowels if needed for security. There should be no danger of children falling out.
- Allow plenty of space around TV’s and stereos to prevent overheating. Keep lamps and other heat sources away from combustibles.
- Ashtrays should be large, deep and emptied frequently, after all signs of burning are gone. Keep all ignition materials up and out of reach of children. Do not smoke in bed.
- Occupants should sleep with their door closed. This will prevent toxic smoke and gases from entering your room before you have been awoken.
- Candles should only be used by an adult. A 12 inch combustible free circle of safety should surround the candle. It should be on a flat surface with a sturdy flame retardant base. Keep candles away from windows where a breeze can blow a curtain into the flame.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- Unplug irons, electric blankets, space heaters, and all heated devices when not in use.
Bathrooms
- All medicines should be in childproof containers and inaccessible to children. Dispose of old or outdated medicines.
- Small appliances such as hairdryers and curling irons should be unplugged and stored properly when not in use.
- All electrical circuits should be GFCI protected. All electrical outlets and light switches should have cover plates.
- Bathroom vent should be kept clean and unobstructed.
- Candles should only be used by an adult. A 12 inch combustible free circle of safety should surround the candle. It should be on a flat surface with a sturdy flame retardant base. Keep candles away from windows where a breeze can blow a curtain into the flame.
- Never leave candles unattended.
Hallways
- Maintain a smoke alarm by testing monthly, replacing the battery at least once a year, and replacing the alarm every 10 years.
- Maintain hallway clear and free from clutter and tripping hazards.
Stairways
- Areas used for storage under stairs should be protected with sheetrock. Do not store flammable liquids here and ensure that there is no heat source.
- Keep stairs clear and free of clutter and tripping hazards. Solid hand rails and properly spaced spindles are necessary on stairways.
Living Room
- Chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
- Use only dry seasoned hardwoods in the fireplace. Never use the fireplace to dispose of trash or wrapping paper. Dispose of ashes in a metal air tight can.
- Fireplaces should have the screen or glass in place. Remember the screen or glass will become extremely hot during use.
- Maintain a smoke alarm by testing monthly, replacing the battery at least once a year, and replacing the alarm every 10 years.
- Ensure any decorations or lamps such as halogen torchiere lamps are away from combustibles and places where a breeze could blow curtains on them.
- Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Surge protectors should be used as needed.
- Allow plenty of space around TV’s and stereos to prevent overheating. Keep lamps and other heat sources away from combustibles.
- All electrical outlets and light switches should have cover plates.
- Windows should be easily opened by any person using the room.
- Screens and locks are in place. Dowels if needed for security. There should be no danger to children falling out.
- Candles should only be used by an adult. A 12 inch combustible free circle of safety should surround the candle. It should be on a flat surface with a sturdy flame retardant base. Keep candles away from windows where a breeze can blow a curtain into the flame.
- Never leave candles unattended.
Basement
- Basement door kept closed and no tripping hazards on steps.
- Bedroom in basement requires legal size escape window 2 ways out and clear paths to exits
- Maintain a smoke alarm by testing monthly, replacing the battery at least once a year, and replacing the alarm every 10 years.
- Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Surge protectors should be used as needed.
- Fuse box should be easily accessible with the metal door closed and circuits clearly labeled.
- All electrical outlets and light switches should have cover plates. Electrical circuits should be GFCI protected near moisture areas.
- Windows should be easily opened by any person using the room.
- Screens and locks are in place. Dowels if needed for security. There should be no danger to children falling out.
- In-home gyms should be inspected for potential hazards. Free weights should be stored in a safe manner. Treadmills should not used in the presence of young children.
- Candles should only be used by an adult. A 12 inch combustible free circle of safety should surround the candle. It should be on a flat surface with a sturdy flame retardant base. Keep candles away from windows where a breeze can blow a curtain into the flame.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- All devices with a heating unit should be unplugged when not in use.
Furnace Room
- All combustibles must be at least 3 feet from ignition sources such as furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.
- Change furnace filter every 30 days.
- Annual inspections by a professional technician on furnace, ductwork, and water heater.
- All electrical outlets and light switches should have cover plates.
- No storage of flammables, flammable liquids, aerosols or paints.
- Keep clothes dryer lint trap and inside dryer clean. Allow no lint build up around or behind dryer.
- Metal dryer vent is vented to exterior, is cleaned regularly, and vents air freely to outside.
- Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Surge protectors should be used as needed.
- All electrical outlets and light switches should have cover plates. Electrical circuits should be GFCI protected near moisture areas.
All Household Areas
- Home has been tested for radon.
- Home is free from clutter and tripping hazards.
- Matches & lighters are up and out of reach of children.
- All combustibles are kept at least 3 feet away from heating devices.
- Outlet safety plugs should be plugged in unused outlets.
- Computers should not be left on when not in use.
- Candles should only be used by an adult. A 12 inch combustible free circle of safety should surround the candle. It should be on a flat surface with a sturdy flame retardant base. Keep candles away from windows where a breeze can blow a curtain into the flame.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- Ashtrays should be large, deep and emptied frequently, after all signs of burning are gone. Consider dumping ashtrays in a coffee can with a lid. Keep all ignition materials up and out of reach of children. Do not smoke in bed.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector with a digital readout in a high traffic area away from furnace and fresh air intake.
- Firearms should have locks, be in a locking cabinet or gunsafe, and ammunition locked up separately.
- Safes need to be bolted down.
- All hallways and exits should be free of obstruction.
- Emergency phone numbers should be posted by phone.
- At least one outlet should be checked for proper grounding.
- Electrical cords should never run under rugs or through doorways.
- Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring and do not overload outlets. Surge protectors should be used as needed.
- Timers on lights on when not home.
- Consider the installation of a residential fire sprinkler system.
- Family has developed an escape plan showing 2 ways out of each room, and has practiced the plan at least once each year.
- Everyone in the family should know CPR, first aid, and use of automatic external defibrillators.
- Keep a basic first aid kit in an easily accessible location.
Garage
Doors should be of solid core construction between garage and house or a self-closing and latching fire rated metal door. Deadbolts locks and break resistant glass are also recommended.- Gas or electric heaters, wood stoves, water heaters or any sources of ignition should be 18" above floor and 3 feet from combustibles.
- No openings and penetrations in garage firewall, including attic scuttle.
- Electrical circuits should be GFI protected and the fuse box accessible, with the metal door shut & circuits clearly labeled.
- All electrical outlets and light switches have cover plates in place. Make sure extension cords are not being used in place of permanent wiring and they are approved for outdoor use.
- Safety reverse on automatic garage door is properly adjusted. Break resistant glass in windows. Automatic garage door track release handle in place.
- Flammable liquids and chemicals properly stored in approved safety containers. Store your oily rags in air tight metal can. These products should ideally be kept in a locking metal cabinet out of reach of children.
- Heat detectors can be an inexpensive way to monitor your garage efficiently.
- Mount a fire extinguisher near an exit and keep it maintained. The best standard for garage use is a 2A10BC extinguisher.
- Keep the garage organized. Storage should be neat and orderly with no large accumulation of fire loads. Do not allow exits to be blocked or sealed, even temporarily. There should be two ways out of your garage at all times.
Outside the Home
- Keep your yard organized. Keep trash in bins, wood piled neat and dry.
- Yard wastes can be composted either in simple holding units, where they will sit undisturbed for slow decomposition, or in tumbling compost bins, which produce finished compost as quickly as just a few weeks.
- Keep all combustibles at least 6 feet from your home or outbuildings.
- Trim trees regularly, providing clearance from buildings and electrical wires.
- Ensure power lines are secured properly, free of any possible grounding sources. All electrical outlets have moisture covers and GFCI protection.
Use outdoor rated extension cords for temporary use of electricity outdoors, but never as a replacement for permanent wiring.- Keep sidewalks and stairs in good repair, swept or shoveled, and free of tripping hazards.
- Provide appropriate lighting for all accessible areas.
- Rain gutters should be clear of debris and routed away from your homes foundation. If you have a heated gutter and downspout, the heating cable should be UL listed specifically as electric roof and gutter de-icing and snow-melting equipment. Inspect annually for defects.
- Display your house numbers so they are highly visible from street.
- Ensure you have 3 feet of space between your home and outbuildings or other buildings. Keep all buildings locked and do not store things in between them.
- Propane tanks should be stored outside or in a shed in a manner that would prevent tipping and that would protect the valve assembly.
- Propane/charcoal grills should be located on a flat, noncombustible surface and not under eaves or overhangs when in use.
- Gas and electric home utility meter must be accessible, free from obstructions, vegetation, and snow build up
- Outside dryer vent should be cleaned twice a year and kept clear of obstructions. Air conditioning units should also be clear of debris and checked for damage.