The best way to prepare for fires is to prevent them in the first place. The Greensboro Chapter of the American Red Cross in North Carolina has put out fire prevention tips after responding to eight home fires across three counties:
- All heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
- Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.
- Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
- Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary.
- If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
Follow these tips in addition to the Red Cross’s recommendations to have a home emergency kit, and you’ll prepared to avoid or endure home fire emergencies.
Source:
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/12/11/article/red_cross_urges_heater_safety_to_prevent_fires