Home Safety Tips

What should I look for when purchasing an alarm?

Look for an alarm that has a hush feature, a malfunction signal, a loud alarm and if it is solely battery operated a long-life battery. Only purchase an alarm that has been tested by an independent laboratory such as the Underwriter’s Laboratories (it will have a UL symbol on it).

Where must alarms be installed in an apartment?

Apartments are required to have smoke alarms as per the building code at the time of construction. However, there are minimum requirements for all buildings. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the apartment has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. SVFD recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.

Where must alarms be installed in a single family home?

Single family dwellings are required to have smoke alarms as per the building code at the time of construction. However, there are minimum requirements for all buildings. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the home has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. SVFD recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.

How should smoke alarms be installed?

Smoke detection devices should not be installed in corners or where the wall and ceiling meet. Research shows there is a potential dead air space here where smoke and other combustion products may or may not be able to reach the detection chamber. The National Fire Alarm Code®, NFPA 72, provides a schematic illustrating that smoke detectors should not be installed on a wall within four inches of the ceiling or on the ceiling four inches of the wall. For more specific information, see the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local fire department for more specific information.

Where shouldn’t smoke alarms be placed?

Smoke alarms should not be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages or unheated areas, because moisture, frost, cooking vapors and exhaust fumes could cause the unit to sound a false alarm.

Smoke Alarm Program

The intent of the smoke alarm program is to provide minimum smoke alarm protection to those who cannot otherwise afford it, and to those with limited income, at a minimal cost.  "Minimum Protection" consists of a smoke alarm outside the sleeping areas and on each additional level of the home. Also, smoke alarms for the hearing impaired are available.  Contact your local fire department for more information or to submit a request.

Plan and Practice an Escape Plan

Plan two ways out of every room.  Fire routes should not include the use of elevators.  Select a meeting place outside the house where everyone will gather in case of a fire.  Practice your plan at least twice a year.

Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Place fire extinguishers at every level of your home, especially the kitchen, basement or garage areas where there's the greatest danger of a chemical or electrical fire.  Practice how to use them. Check them monthly to make sure they're in working condition.

Make Sure Your Address is Visible

Your fire department can't help you unless you can be found.  Make sure the number of your house is visible from the street and is in a lighted area so it can be seen at night. Minimum 4" numbers on a contrasting back ground.

Crawl Low Under Smoke

If you must get through smoke to escape, keep low.  The cleanest air will be 12 to 24 inches above the floor.  Crawl on your hands and knees to get to the nearest safe exit.  If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a damp handkerchief.

Use Electrical Appliances Safely

Check lamps and ceiling fixtures to make sure wiring is intact.  If an appliance smokes or smells, turn it off immediately.  Examine electrical cords before use and replace any that are frayed or cracked. Don't overload electrical outlets.

Electrical Fire Facts

• Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of fire fatalities in Washington State.
• Additions or modifications to electrical wiring should be done by a licensed electrician.  If you have frequent electrical problems, contact a licensed electrician to check the problem or to inspect the system.

Electrical Distribution

• Know the location of the electrical panel in your home.  The panel cover should have a label or tag with a date of the last inspection; if more than ten years, an inspection is advisable. You should know how to trip the main circuit breaker at the electrical panel to turn off all power to the house.
• Be sure electrical outlets and the electrical distribution systems are adequate to prevent overloading. 
• Check to be sure all outlets and switches have cover plates so that no wiring is exposed.
• Arrange furnishings so that outlets are available without the use of extension cords.
• Don’t cover electrical cords with rugs, carpets, or furniture.  Don’t run extension cords under doors.  Don’t drape electrical cords over hooks or nails.
• If an extension cord is necessary, be sure it is Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual listed.
• Be sure extension cords are not frayed or cracked and are carrying their proper load.
• Check your power strips and surge protectors for Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls. 
• Be sure light bulbs are the proper size for the outlet or appliance.

Electrical Appliances

• Inspect, clean, and maintain all appliances regularly to make sure they operate properly.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance.  If an appliance emits a burning odor, makes an unusual sound, or the cord feels warm to the touch, have it inspected by a qualified person.  Keep appliances in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting.
• Keep space heaters, stoves, irons, and other heat-producing appliances away from furniture, curtains, bedding, and towels.  Also, give televisions, stereos, and computers plenty of air-space so they won't overheat.
• Unplug small appliances, such as can openers, when not in use.
• Be sure all electrical appliances are Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual listed.

Electrical Emergencies

• When an electrical emergency occurs, take the following action:
• If an appliance emits a burning odor or operates improperly, unplug it if it can be done safely.
• If a serious electrical malfunction occurs in your home or workplace, treat it the same as a fire.
• Turn off the power at the circuit breaker and CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
• Notify other occupants.
• Activate the fire alarm if available and exit promptly.

Facts For Fires Due to Home Heating

• Home heating is among the leading causes of fire fatalities in Washington State.  
• Many fires are started by placing combustibles too close to a heat source.
• Electric baseboard and wall heaters are controlled by a thermostat and can turn on automatically when temperatures drop. 

Fire Prevention

• To prevent fires, keep furnishings and other combustibles 36 inches from heat sources.
• Store matches and other fire-starting appliances out of the reach of children.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance recommendations for all home heating equipment.

Follow Proper Maintenance

Proper maintenance and an annual inspection of heat pumps, furnaces, space heaters, wood and coal stoves,  fireplaces, and chimney and chimney connections by qualified specialists can help prevent fires and save lives.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, venting, fueling, maintenance, and repair.  Review the owner's manual to ensure you are familiar with the operating and safety features. 

• Space Heaters – When using portable heaters, do not place them where it is possible for small children to get burned.  Keep portable heaters out of hallways and room entrances.  Avoid the use of extension cords with electric heaters.  Always turn off portable space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.  Use only portable heaters with a tip switch that will turn the heater off immediately if knocked over. 
   
• Wood-Burning Appliances, Fireplaces, and Pellet Stoves – Do not burn trash in the wood stove or fireplace.  Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods.  Be sure the fire you build fits your fireplace or stove; don’t overload it.  Be sure wood or pellet stoves are properly installed.  Keep combustible materials 36 inches from the fireplace, stove, and chimney.  Keep the area clean.  Store stacked wood or pellets outdoors.  Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks or burning wood from leaving the fireplace and starting a fire.  Never leave a fire unattended.
   
• Chimneys – A dirty, blocked, or damaged chimney may cause improper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire.  Excessive creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires.  An annual inspection by a certified chimney sweep can prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
   
• Ashes – Excessive ash accumulation prevents adequate air circulation needed for combustion.  Keep wood stoves and fireplaces free of excess ash buildup.  When removing ashes, use a metal container with a tight-fitting cover and cool in an outside location away from structures.

Keep Matches and Lighters Away from Children

Store matches and lighters in places where children can't get to them.  Teach children that matches and lighters are dangerous and should not be played with.

Smoking Fire Facts

• Smoking is the leading cause of fire fatalities in Washington State. 
• Most often, fires begin when upholstered furniture, mattresses, or bedding is ignited.
• When children live with smokers, there is an increased risk of child-set fires because of the availability of matches and lighters.

If you Smoke . . . follow these precautions.

• If you smoke, go outside.  Put out your cigarette before returning indoors.
• Use heavy, deep ashtrays while smoking.
• Do not smoke on or near upholstered furniture.
• Never smoke in sleeping areas. 
• Only smoke when you are alert.
• Never smoke while on medications or on medical oxygen.
• Do not smoke while under the influence of mind-altering drugs and/or alcohol.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Consider not smoking

If you want to stop smoking for your health, your loved ones, or for other reasons, call the Washington State

Tobacco Quit Line (877-270-STOP).  A trained specialist will provide you with one-on-one counseling and a

customized plan to help you quit smoking for good.  Remember, calling the quit line can double your chances of

quitting successfully.