How to Keep Your Apartment Safe From Fire Hazards
- 1). Check all electrical wires and cords in your apartment to make sure they aren't frayed. Dispose of all broken electrical appliances.
- 2). Avoid using extension cords - use junction boxes with built-in ground fault interrupters (GFIs) instead. If there's a surge or short in the appliance, wiring or plug, the GFI will shut down the power.
- 3). Make sure matches and lighters are kept out of the reach of children. Put them in high places where tiny hands can't get to them.
- 4). Keep cigarettes away from children as well, and keep big ashtrays around for people who smoke. Make sure no one ever smokes in bed, and check the areas where a smoker has been sitting for dropped cigarettes and ashes.
- 5). Don't store flammable agents such as gasoline in your apartment or garage.
- 6). Avoid overloading a balcony with stuff. Piles of furniture, plants, toys and junk can be good places for fires to start without anyone noticing right away. A balcony fire also blocks an escape.
- 7). Leave fire doors closed. In the event of a fire, a closed fire door can save many apartments from becoming damaged by not allowing the fire to spread.
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