Follow these tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to keep you and your household safe.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe from your clothes dryer is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
- As you begin to put up outdoor decorations for the holidays, make sure extension cords are connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
- According to the NFPA, cooking is the No. 1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Be sure you turn off burners if you leave the kitchen, keep flammables such as dish towels and oven mitts away from the stovetop, and use a timer.