Patch Tips, Home Fire Safety

The Boston Fire Department wants you to be safe and offers important information so you can minimize risk of injury from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here are some tips:

Test and check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace them if you aren't sure that they are fully charged.

Check that there are carbon monoxide detectors on each living level in your home.

Hold a home fire drill so your family can practice how to escape in case of a fire.

Make sure that you never leave candles burning when you're asleep or unattended.

Keep fireplace screens in place so that sparks and embers don't fall onto the floor.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisioning, do not use a gas stove or oven for heat.

Before lighting your fireplace, make sure the chimney is cleaned and the damper is open. Also have a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in this area.