Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Clean and inspect your chimney or wood stove annually, using a certified chimney specialist.
• Vent pipes should be tree feet above the roof.
• Make sure wood stoves and portable kerosene heaters have met building codes.
• Burn only wood in fireplace or wood stove.

Outdoor Fire Safety Tips

• Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Regularly clean the leaves, pine needles and other debris off the roof of your home.
• Make sure there are no tree branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.
• Store flammable materials at least 30 feet from your home.
• Use fire resistant plants and vegetation for landscaping.
• Trees and brush should be thinned within 30 feet around the home.
• Water sources need to be accessible to the fire department.

Fire Safety for Children

• Children should wear fire-retardant clothing.
• Children need to be taught about fire and fire safety.
• children should never play around electrical appliances or heaters.
• Children should know the fire escape plan.

Smoke Alarms

• Smoke alarms should be tested every month.
• Batteries in smoke alarms should be replaced at least once a year. 
• Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years.

Fire Escape Plan

• Develop a fire escape plan, and practice it with your family.
• Have a designated meeting area away from the driveway in the yard where all family members are to go.

Kitchen

• Do not overload extension cords.
• Look for the UL tag on appliances.
• Check wiring on appliances routinely.
• Replace worn, old, or damaged appliance cords.
• Place portable electrical heaters at least 3 feet from curtains, furniture, etc.
• Children should never play around electrical appliances or heaters.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Smoke Detectors and Battery Information

Test your smoke detectors at least once a month.  If battery operated, replace the batteries at least once a year.  One way to remember to change your battery is to change it during daylight savings time - when you move your clock back or ahead, change your battery.  If a detector is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced with a new unit.