Peoria offering home fire safety reminders

The Peoria Fire Department is offering home fire safety reminders. Home fires are often easily preventable. Educating yourself and your family is a key first step to preventing or surviving a household fire.

Installing smoke detectors, practicing a home evacuation plan and learning proper use of a fire extinguisher are all easy and important steps every family should take. Below are some key fire safety tips.

For more information on how to keep your family safe, go to www.peoriaaz.gov and click on "Fire Department." For information on presentations on fire safety, call 623-773-7919.

DETECTORS

Install a minimum of one smoke detector outside every bedroom and in every sleeping area. In a two-story house, install at least one per floor.

Check and clean smoke detectors at least once a month to make sure they are working. Replace batteries once a year.

Install a carbon monoxide detector if your home has gas appliances.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.

CREATE AND PRACTICE HOME EVACUATION PLAN

Keep all exits clear of clutter and check that windows open and close easily. There should be at least two exits from every room.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Never smoke in bed or when drowsy. Keep floor lamps and space heaters at least four feet away from combustibles. If you have a fireplace, keep a screen in place at all times, and have the chimney checked and cleaned periodically.

If a gas water heater is present, do not store flammable materials in the garage. Only store flammable materials in the proper containers.

Keep matches and lighters away from children. Talk to your children about fire safety.

Do not overload electrical outlets. Never leave burning candles unattended. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking and keep towels and other flammable materials away from the stove.