Congratulations! You’re a homeowner. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. The Sycamore Fire Department wants to help you make your new home safer from fire. Follow these fire safety tips to protect your investment and your family.
Smoke Alarms
Fire is fast, hot and deadly. It only takes minutes for thick, black smoke to fill a house. A smoke alarm can give you the extra minute or two that you need to get out of your home.
Have working smoke alarms on every level, including the basement. Put smoke alarms inside each bedroom and outside all sleeping areas. Push the test button until the alarm sounds. Do this each month. Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
Escape Plans
Half of home fire deaths happen late at night. A working smoke alarm can wake you up. Every second counts, so know what you’ll do if you have a fire. Make an escape plan. Know two ways out of each room. Plan your escape around the abilities of children and older adults.
Visible Address Numbers
Every second counts. Make sure you can clearly see your address during the day or night. Responders rely on address markings to ensure proper location. The less visible these markings are, the quicker valuable time may pass by.
Prevent Electrical Fires
Electrical problems are a leading cause of home fires. Start off right in your new home. Plug major appliances like refrigerators and stoves directly into the wall outlet. Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. This includes coffee makers, space heaters and microwaves. If you need additional outlets, have them installed by an electrician.
Extension cords are for temporary use only. Keep all cords out of foot traffic, but don’t run them under carpets or rugs. Throw away cracked, frayed or damaged electrical cords before you move.
For more information on how you can protect your new home, please contact the Sycamore Fire Department at (815) 895-4514, or visit us on Facebook at City of Sycamore Fire Department for occasional postings.
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