Kitchen & Household Safety:

• Use caution while cooking. Turn pot handles to the back of the stove and cook on rear burners whenever possible. Don't leave hot burners exposed. Eliminate dangling cords, too.
• Never use a stove or oven for heating purposes.
• Keep kids away from hot oven doors and keep the doors closed.
• Avoid potential steam burns and scalds that can result from microwave cooking.
• Never carry hot beverages while holding a child.
• Do not try to move or carry a pan in which there is a grease fire. This can result in burns or additional fire damage. Use baking soda, a fire extinguisher or pan lid (NOT water) to put out the fire.
• Beware of friction burns that can result from touching a treadmill while it is in use.
• Be cautious with heating pads. Prolonged use of these devices can lead to second- and third-degree burns.
• Ensure that your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Check the water temperature before placing a child in the water. Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub.
• Use gloves to protect hands from harmful cleaning chemicals.

House Fire Prevention:

• Use caution with space heaters, especially kerosene heaters. Leave at least three feet of space above and around a space heater. Never place anything near or on top of a space heater.
• Operate generators outside to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
• Have chimneys professionally cleaned each year. Utilize protective fireplace doors to prevent burns.
• Check for and repair or replace any frayed electrical cords.
• Check smoke detectors monthly and change batteries at least once a year. Invest in a carbon monoxide detector. If your smoke or carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave the house and call the fire department right away. Do not enter the home again for any reason.

Outdoor Safety:

• Bundle up to protect yourself and your family from frostbite. Dress in layers, then add mittens or gloves, hats, scarves, socks and waterproof boots.
• Limit the amount of time spent outside in freezing temperatures.
• Use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply often for best protection. Waterproof sunblock is the best choice. Hats are a must to protect the scalp. Don't forget the sunglasses!