Home Hazards: Living Room

Living by these fire smart reminders makes your living room a safer room.

1. Make sure the fireplace flue damper opens and closes fully.
2. Hire a professional to clean the chimney and inspect the firebox once per year.
3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries every six months.
4. Schedule a yearly fireplace inspection and cleaning by a certified company to make sure no debris is blocking the chimney.
5. Space heaters aren't designed to operate for long periods. Always turn them off when you leave the room.
6. Power strips are great at protect against power surges, but when overloaded, power strips can cause electrical fires.
7. If a family member has hearing difficulties, install a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with strobe features.
8. Open the flue or damper before starting a fire in your fireplace, every time.
9. Keep all flammables at least three feet away from the fireplace.
10. Place a sturdy fireplace screen in front of the fireplace.
11. Keep candles and lamps at least one foot away from your curtains.
12. Have an electrician inspect and tighten any loose electrical connections at least once a year.
13. Use safety caps to cover all unused electrical outlets.
14. Use large, deep ashtrays. Never leave a burning cigarette unattended