Electric Blankets and Heating Pads
Never fold or roll blanket - heat will build up on wires, igniting blanket and the rest of the bed. Unplug and store flat when not in use. Don't leave a heating pad on for more that 30 minutes. Never fall asleep with it on. Set the alarm clock to awaken you in 30 minutes if necessary.
Wires, Plugs & Extension Cords
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Keep down the number of cords in each outlet. Never run cords under the rugs, behind radiators or across doorways where they may become worn. Have broken cords and switches making hiccup sounds as well as hot plugs professionally repaired. Don't mask the problem with electrical tape. Use the proper gauge extension cord - especially with power tools and high wattage appliances.
Fuses and Light Bulbs
Use only the proper size fuse or the circuit will become overloaded, wiring will overheat, deteriorate and start a fire. If the bulb is too large, overheating can occur in the cord, shade, socket, wiring or fixture, igniting combustibles.
Portable Space Heaters
Use one with a thermostat (not just switch) that shuts off by itself when tipped over. Plug directly into its own outlet. Use in area free of combustibles and well ventilated for heat to escape. Never leave on overnight.
Clothes Dryers
Never leave synthetic fabrics, plastics, rubber or foam in the dryer for longer than the manufacturer's recommended time. Clean the lint screen before and after each use. Keep the area free of combustibles. Dryers must be vented to the outside and plugged into their own outlet.
Personal Grooming Appliances
Hair dryers, curling irons, hot rollers and makeup mirrors must be away from combustibles while in use. Disconnect them after each use. Never fold or crimp cords- the insulation will be ruined, exposing wires, which can short out, and spark.
Vaporizers
Never leave vaporizers unattended or near combustibles. Keep the water level ample. Make sure the cord at the plug is not too hot. If it is, disconnect it immediately. Use in its own outlet or with a heavy-duty extension cord.
How to fight small electrical fires
Switch off the appliance and pull out the plug. Use Type ABC or Type C Extinguisher. Never try to cool with water because water conducts electricity and can give you an electric shock.
Stove Top
Keep combustibles (e.g. paper, plastic) away from stove top. Never heat cooking oil in pan and leave the room because a flame can ignite spontaneously! If fire starts, put lid on pan and turn burner off until pan is cool. If the fire doesn't go out by itself, douse with baking soda or use Type ABC or B extinguisher.
Oven
Avoid letting grease build up in oven. A greasy broiler can catch fire even during preheating. Grease from fatty meat can flare up and start a fire. If fire starts, shut off the oven. Smother fire in oven by keeping the oven door closed and by throwing baking soda on food. If fire doesn't go out, use Type ABC or B extinguisher.
How to Fight Small Cooking Fires
If fire starts, keep oven or microwave door shut or place lid on stove top. Turn off oven, microwave or stove top. If fire doesn't go out by itself, use Type ABC or B extinguisher or douse with baking soda. Never move pan or turn on the exhaust fan or use water. Moving the pan fans the fire and spatters grease that can burn you. The exhaust fan will draw flames upward.
Leaking Gas
Never enter an area with a lighted match or cigarette if you smell gas from a pipe, heater or stove. The smallest spark or flame could ignite gas in the air and cause an explosion.
How to Fight Small Gas Fires
Shut off gas supply. Use Type ABC or B extinguisher. Ventilate the area to let gases out. Check that gas pipes, etc. no longer pose an immediate danger.
Fireplaces, Wood Stoves
Use only dried woods (less smoke and dirt). Never use flammable liquid to start a fire. Dispose of cool ashes in lidded container. Never leave fire unattended. When burning, keep damper open, flammable material away and glass door/screen closed.
Furnaces, Radiators, Water Heaters
Install properly and safely away from walls and ceilings. Never put combustibles on or near units. Keep ducts and filters dust-free by cleaning several times a year with unit shut OFF.
How to Fight Small Heating Fires
Shut off power or gas. User Type ABC extinguisher. Drown fire in fireplace with baking soda, water or Type ABC extinguisher.
Oil-Soaked Rags
Dry out rags by spreading in a well-ventilated room so heat can escape, then wash. Never put oily rags in a pile because they can ignite themselves. Store in labeled, metal containers, sealed with a tight lid.
Charcoal
Store unused charcoal in a cool, dry place because damp charcoal can ignite itself. Use a metal pail or garbage can with a tight lid and place in open space where heat can escape if self-ignition should occur.
Flammable Liquids
Never use or store in a room with a pilot light, or too close to hot light bulbs because vapors in the air can easily ignite. Store in a cool, dry room in labeled, metal containers with a tight lid.
Stack of Newspapers
Avoid storing in a damp, warm place because newspapers generate heat and can ignite themselves. Store in a cool dry place at least 3 feet away from any heat-generating source, such as a pilot light.
How to Fight Small Storage Fires
Use Type ABC extinguisher for rags, charcoal, liquids solvents, hair spray/glue and newspaper.