Free smoke detectors for Baltimore residents
Friends, 24 Baltimore residents have already died this year in fires. Keep your family safe this winter by requesting a free smoke detector from Baltimore's office of the Fire Marshal.
City residents can call the smoke detector hotline at 410-396-SAVE (that's 410-396-7283) or bring this free smoke alarm request form to your nearest fire station.
They will install your smoke detector for you, according to the Baltimore Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Chief Raymond O’Brocki.
Here are more fire safety tips for the winter months from the fire marshal:
Christmas tree safety:
Cooking safety: Cooking is the number one cause of home fires nationally and in Baltimore City. The biggest reason is that people start to cook something on the stove and forget it's there.
• Test for freshness by bending a few needles in half. If the needles snap in two, the tree is dry. Look for a tree with needles that spring back to their original shape.
• Put your tree in a sturdy, non-tip stand filled with water.
• Water your tree daily. A dry tree can catch fire easily.
• Tree placement: put your tree at least 3 feet from any heat source, including candles. Never block or obstruct an exit with your tree.
• Use only approved lights to decorate your tree.
• Dispose of your live tree safely.
Cooking safety: Cooking is the number one cause of home fires nationally and in Baltimore City. The biggest reason is that people start to cook something on the stove and forget it's there.
• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking on the range, especially when frying food.Candle safety:
• Keep your cooking area clean. Do not let grease build up on the range top, toaster oven or in the oven.
• Always supervise children when letting them use the stove or oven.
• Keep clearances around your stove, at least 36 inches.
• Always keep a lid handy. If a fire starts, do not use water.
• In the event of a fire, turn off the burner and cover with the lid. Leave the house and call 911.
• Never wear loose-fitting clothing when cooking.
• Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.Electrical safety:
• If you light a candle, an adult must stay in the room with it.
• Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Always use stable candle holders. Place candles in an area where they won’t be knocked over.
• Do not ever allow children to keep or use candles in their rooms.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• If your power goes out a lot or the lights in your home flicker and if you keep tripping breakers on your circuit panel, have an electrician come to inspect your wiring.General fire safety:
• All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by faceplates.
• All electrical cords should be in good condition.
• Don't tie or knot cords. Don't let furniture sit on cords. Do not run cords under carpeting.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.
• Turn off holiday lights before you go to bed or leave the house.
• Have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.(photo: sun dazed/Flickr)
• Test your smoke alarms monthly.
• Have a home escape plan with a meeting place outside the home.
• Practice your plan.
