Connor-Helring Associates Blog

It’s fire prevention week! You  need to prevent a fire, just as much as you will be protected after a fire with your Scranton business insurance policy. The more risk you eliminate, the better your chances are of preventing an unwanted fire. Here are some specific ideas from the National Fire Protection Association to prevent a fire from happening in both your home and place of business:

SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

•  Install smoke alarms and refresh the batteries.
• Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement. 
• Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area of the bedrooms. 
• Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year.  Replace smoke
• alarms once every 10 years. 

COOKING SAFETY

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
• Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home. 

ESCAPING THE FIRE

• Have an escape plan.  Review escape routes with your family. 
• Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. 
• Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer, when escaping from a fire. 

HEATING SOURCE

• Place space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. 
• Use only the type of fuel designated for your space heater. 

MATCHES/LIGHTERS AND SMOKING

• Keep matches and lighters away from children. 
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. 
• If you must smoke, do it responsibly. 

ELECTRICAL WIRING

• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs 
• Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring. 
• Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas. 
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets.