Protecting Your Home from Fire

It only takes a matter of minutes for a home to be completely ravaged and destroyed by fire, but most home fires can be prevented. It all starts be being aware that the danger exists, and then taking the necessary steps to safeguard against fire in your home. In many cases, you don’t have to lose your home and possessions to fire, if you think ahead and take action now. Even though you likely have protection against fire with your homeowner’s insurance coverage, that money can’t replace your memories, your photographs, and other memorabilia you may have.

Candles are very popular nowadays, to add that extra romantic feel to a home, or even for fragrance. While candles are beautiful when lit, they can pose a real threat to your home, particularly if left unattended. If you have candles in your home, you should make certain that you blow them out whenever you leave the room, even if only for a few minutes. In the amount of time it takes you to go answer the door, your home could catch on fire thanks to an unattended candle. Never place candles near anything that could catch on fire, such as curtains, furniture, clothing, papers, etc. Even if your candle is placed in a heavy glass holder, it could still get hot enough to break the glass, creating a very real fire hazard.

When you use appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers, waffle irons, etc., make certain that you immediately unplug them when you are finished. Never leave them plugged up, as this could definitely cause a fire in the right circumstances. Even if you turn the power off of the item, it still isn’t safe until it is unplugged from the power source. Remember that these items get very hot, and if placed next to any kind of flammable material, could also be a potential fire hazard.

You should check all of your power cords at least once every three months, and maybe even more often if you have pets or small children. Frayed cords, either from frequent use, age, or mistreatment, could very easily cause a fire to occur in your home, so it is important not to overlook this task.

If you have children at home, you should teach them about the dangers or fire, and what to do in case a fire did occur. Talk to them about how matches, lighters, etc., could cause potential fires, and why they should never play with these items. If your children are home alone, they shouldn’t try to cook their own food, opting instead to eat foods that come straight from the cabinet or refrigerator instead, as cooking could also cause a potential fire. If you aren’t sure that your children can obey these rules, then they should not be left home alone.

Make certain that you have working alarms and extinguishers located throughout your home. Test them on a regular basis to make certain they are in good repair. Teach your children and everyone in your home how and when to use an extinguisher, and have them checked frequently as well, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Are you food-safety savvy? (The Globe and Mail)

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club chatter 100808 (Rushville Republican)

Phyllis Carson was hostess for the Mixers Homemakers Sept. 15. Pledges were given. Six members answered roll call with a school memory. Barbara White reported Achievement Night had a good program and good food.

Risky business: Do cell phones, fish, plastic containers and aluminum really pose dangers? (Memphis Commercial Appeal)

o consumers out there, particularly parents, trying their best to avoid unnecessary risks, physicians and public health officials feel your pain.

FDA Urged To Recall Child Cold Medicines (NBC 11 Bay Area)

Pediatricians are urging the Food and Drug Administration to recall over-the-counter cold and flu medicines for children under 6, saying there is little proof of their safety or effectiveness.

Helping Singapore make history (The Electric New Paper)

FOR ABDILLAH Ali, being able to be part of the inaugural SingTel Singapore Grand Prix is 'a dream come true.' The 30-year-old technician was a volunteer track marshal during F1's first night race last weekend, an honour that few among his close friends could boast about.