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FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Did you know?? Building owners must install smoke detectors in apartment buildings. But it is your responsibility to maintain them! Most fire deaths occur at home. Most occur in homes with no working smoke detectors.

Test smoke detectors weekly and replace batteries twice a year (the beginning & end of Daylight Savings time). Keep your bedroom doors closed while you are asleep.

Never smoke in bed and make sure that there are no smoldering butts when you empty ashtrays.

Don’t overload electrical circuits. Remove electrical cords from under rugs, those nailed to walls and behind radiators. Stop using old or frayed extension cords. If an appliance smokes or begins to smell unusual, unplug it immediately and have it repaired.

Never keep rubbish in the hallway. Remove piles of stored newspapers because newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.

Don't put items in the trash chute that are too big and may get stuck. Things caught in the chute easily can turn a fire in the basement into a fire on your floor.

Put a box of baking soda and a large pot lid next to your stove to smother stove fires. Get a kitchen fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.

Extinguish candles when you’re not in the room; Keep candles away from Christmas trees and wrapping paper.

Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding, or anything else that can burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed, and keep children and pets well away from them. If you don’t have enough heat in your apartment, call the the City's Citizen Services Center at 3-1-1.

Avoid using electric blankets.

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Remove any locks on window gates that lead to fire escapes, otherwise firefighters can't get in and you and your family can't get out.