Do you know theHidden Hazards in

your home?

An exercise in safety by the Division ofState Fire Marshal

If someone asked you to think of someplace you feel safe,chances are your home would be near the top of the list.

But, your home can be full of potentially dangeroussituations. Look inside to see if you recognize the warning

signs and find out how you can help protect your family.

In the Bedroom

Smoke detector with nobattery in hall:A working smoke detectordoubles your chances of surviv-ing a fire in your home. Checkthe batteries in your smokedetectors every month andchange the batteries twice a yearwhen you change your clocks.

Clothes iron plugged in, onfloor and too close to bed:Clothes irons can cause seriousburns and are also hot enough toignite combustibles. Unplug themwhen not in use and allow them tocool in an uncluttered area.

Burned down candle on table:The number of residential firescaused by candles has increasedsignificantly. Burn candles inholders that will catch any wax

and never leave a candle burningunattended.

Blocked window:In case of fire, your window maybe your only means of escape.Move furniture and other ob-structions from in front ofwindows and make sure you canopen them easily.

Clutter:Clutter, such as piles of clothesor paper, can feed fires as wellas hinder your escape if there isa fire. Keep escape routes clearand clutter to a minimum.

Lamp with shirt thrown over:Light bulbs become very hot andcan scorch or ignite combus-tibles. Maintain a safe distancefrom anything that can burn suchas furniture, curtains or clothes.

An Equal Opportunity Employer & Service Provider

Ohio Department of CommerceDivision of State Fire Marshal

8895 East Main StreetReynoldsburg, OH 43068

1-888-243-0305TTY/TDD: 1-800-750-0750www.com.ohio.gov/fire

John R. Kasich, Governor Jacqueline T. Williams, Director

Division of State Fire Marshal

Pot handle sticking out fromstove:

Pot handles can easily be bumpedwhile cooking or pulled over by asmall child.Always turn handles to the backor side of the stove to avoidserious scald burns.

Person reaching over stove:

Reaching over the stove cancause a clothing fire. Only wearclose fitting clothes with short orrolled up sleeves when cooking.If your clothes catch fire,smother the fire by stoppingimmediately, dropping to thefloor and rolling to smother thefire.

Toaster under a cabinet orpaper towel holder:Toasters produce a great deal ofheat. Always move them forwardon the counter to avoid combus-tibles such as cabinets or paper

towels. Always unplug yourtoaster when not in use.

Chemicals under sink:

Cleaning supplies are a seriouspoison hazard for young children.Keep supplies on high shelvesoutside the kitchen or in lockedcabinets.

Extinguisher not accessible:If you have a fire extinguisher inyour kitchen, place it near thedoorway where it will be acces-sible in an emergency. Thiseliminates the possibility of thefire being between you and yourextinguisher.

Food or items stored in oven(visible through window inoven):Food, skillets and dishes storedin ovens can spell disaster. Makeit a habit to check the ovenbefore turning it on.

In the KitchenIn the Living Room

Man lying on couch withcigarette in hand:

Careless smoking is the numberone cause of fatal fires. Stayalert while smoking - don’t liedown or recline, and don’t smokeif you have had alcohol ormedications that might make youdrowsy.

Child sitting on floor, matcheson table:

Children as young as two yearsold can light matches. Keepmatches and lighters out of reachof children.

Fireplace with no screen:Sparks and embers can easilyignite rugs, papers and otherscombustibles. Keep the screen orglass doors closed when yourfireplace is in use.

Frayed cord on sweeper:Worn or frayed electric cordsare a major cause of residentialfires. Check your cords regu-larly for cracks, worn spots andloose plugs.

Overloaded outlet television,heater and lamp:

Plugging multiple cords into anoutlet can cause an electricalfire. Outlets are designed toprovide electricity to only twoappliances at a time.

Electric space heater:Electric heaters can causefurniture, clothing and beddingto burn. If you use an electric orkerosene heater remember:Space Heaters Need Space.