The Columbia Heights Fire Department would like to help you to create a safer environment for your family and friends. In Minnesota we are facing a “fire crisis” the likes of which we have not witnessed in more than a decade. In 2007 we lost 40 lives to fire. Prepare your home by installing smoke alarms on each level of your home, and conducting a home hazard inspection, correcting any hazards you find.

Safety Tips:

• Clean stovetop and counters; keep them free of grease and clutter.
• Place potholders and other combustibles 3 feet from stove.
• Maintain a fire extinguisher near the exit.
• Have childproof locks on all cabinets.
• Unplug all small appliances when not in use and keep cords up and out of reach of children.
• Change your furnace filter regularly and have the heating system cleaned and inspected by an industry professional annually.
• Clean around and under the laundry equipment often, and empty the dryer lint screen with each load.
• Store household cleaners on a shelf away from heat sources, pets, and children.
• Outlets must have no more than one cord unless it is equipped with a UL listed power strip. Place childproof plugs in unused outlets.
• Replace all cracked, frayed or damaged cords. Never run cords under rugs or carpets.
• Use ground Fault Circuit Interrupters in bathroom and kitchen outlets.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from combustibles.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace and always close the protective screen.
• Store matches and lighters up and out of reach of children.
• Provide large deep ashtrays if you allow smoking in your home.
• Garbage cans should have lids and all smoking materials must be cool prior to disposal.
• Candle bases must be large enough not to tip and non-combustible. Candles must be a safe distance from combustibles and never left unattended.
• Store all flammable liquids outdoors in a cool place up and out of reach of children.
• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, and inside or near sleeping areas storage space, not piled around the in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.
• Replace any smoke alarm that you suspect may be 10 years old or more.
• Test your smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in accordance with manufacturer’s directions.
• Place fire extinguishers on each level of you home and in the garage, mounted near the exit.
• Plan and practice a home escape plan including two ways out of each room and a meeting place away from the home. Get out and stay out!
• Teach family members to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire, and to crawl low under smoke.