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For immediate release
Make
your home safe before a disaster
During
and immediately after a disaster, any household item that can move, fall,
break or cause a fire becomes a home hazard. North Carolina Cooperative
Extension recommends that you inspect your home to find and correct potential
hazards before disaster strikes.
Here
are some pointers:
- Check your utilities
Be sure you know where your main electric fuse or circuit-breaker box
and your main water and natural gas shut-off valves are located. Ask
your utility companies how to turn off the services safely, and teach
your family members when and how to turn them off. Make sure the area
around the shut-offs are clear so that you can get to them easily. Paint
your shut-off valves with white or fluorescent paint so they are easy
to see. And attach a shut-off wrench or specialty tool to a pipe or
other location near the gas and water shut-off valves.
- Identify electrical
and chemical hazards Replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance
cords, loose prongs and plugs. Avoid overloading outlets. Be sure all
extension cords are rated for the electrical load and the cord is as
short as possible. Reposition electrical cords that run under rugs or
over nails, heaters or pipes. After first turning off power at your
main fuse box, use electric tape to cover exposed outlet wiring or any
exposed wiring. Immediately repair or replace appliances that overheat,
short out, smoke or spark.
Store flammable
liquids like gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, turpentine,
acetone and paint and lacquer thinner in approved safety cans in a well-ventilated
storage area away from your home. Close lids tightly. Secure containers
to prevent spills.
If you must store flammable materials in your home, use a storage can
with an Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) approved
label. Move
materials away from heat sources, open flames, gas appliances and children.
Store oily waste and polishing cloths in covered metal cans.
Instruct family members not to use gasoline or other flammable fluids
for starting fires or cleaning indoors.
Clear out old cloths, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other
combustible materials. Move clothes, curtains, cloths, and paper goods
away from electrical equipment, gas appliances or flammable materials.
Remove dried grass cuttings, tree trimmings and weeds from the property.
Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents.
Keep heaters and candles away from curtains and furniture. Keep portable
heaters on level surfaces, away from high-traffic areas.
- Use fire safety
equipment
Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, especially
near bedrooms. Test detectors monthly, and change the batteries at least
once a year. Keep at least one fire extinguisher (ABC-type) on hand.
Maintain and recharge it according to manufacturer's instructions. Show
all family members where it's kept and make sure they know how to use
it.
- Secure loose
and heavy items Check for items that can shift or fall. Anchor your
water heater, large appliances, bookcases, tall or heavy furniture,
shelves, mirrors and pictures to wall studs. Place large or heavy objects
on lower shelves. Provide strong support and flexible connections on
gas appliances, including the water heater.
Install clips, latches or other locking devices on cabinet doors. Hang
heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds and places
where people sit. Clear doors, hallways and stairs of obstructions.
And repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
- Practice home
evacuation plans
Plan how to escape from your home in case of an emergency. Identify
at least two exits from each room. Conduct emergency drills. Practice
day and night escapes, and pick a safe meeting place outside your home.
For more information,
contact your county Cooperative Extension center or visit the Web site
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster.
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