Fire Prevention

 

  • Smoke Alarms: Remember to check your smoke alarm batteries to ensure all are in good working order.  Replace smoke alarms that are 10 or more years old.  Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and every level of the home.  They should be tested once a month and should be at least 10 feet from the stove to prevent false alarms. Remember:  a closed door slows the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Three out of five deaths occur with non-working smoke alarms.
  • Campfires:  They do not require a permit.  Use only non-processed and untreated wood.  Burning of glued or pointed wood is prohibited.  Burning of trash and leaves is prohibited.
  • Open Burning:  A permit is required and is limited to burning brush. 
    Application link: https://avonct.viewpointcloud.com/  (Select Fire Marshal)  
  • Fire Escape PlanningMake a mapped home escape plan.  Know two (2) ways out of every room, ensuring all doors and windows to outside open easily. Designate a meeting place outside (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance away.  Have a practice fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.  Teach children how to escape on their own.  Be sure to close doors behind you.  GET OUT AND STAY OUT; GET LOW AND GO through smoke.  CALL the fire department once outside your home.
  • Heating Safety:  Keep anything that can burn at least three (3) feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.  Never use your oven to heat your home.   Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.  Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.  Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.  Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.  Keep the container a safe distance from your home.
  • Portable Generator Safety: When the power goes out, many people turn to a portable generator without being aware of the risks.  To use your generator safely:  1) Place your generator in a well-ventilated outside location at least 5 feet from all doors, windows, and vent openings. 2) Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.  3) Place the generator so that the exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings. 4) Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. 5) Turn off generators and allow for cooling time before refueling. NEVER refuel a generator while hot. 6) Store fuel in a container that is intended for the purpose and properly labeled.

For more safety tips, visit www.avonct.gov/emergency-management.