Safety Tips
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Each year hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and these deaths may have been prevented by the installation of a CO alarm. CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced by wood, coal, charcoal, natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, kerosene, methane, and other common fuels.
- Effective August 1, 2008, Minnesota required that all existing single-family homes be equipped with an approved carbon monoxide alarm.
- A carbon monoxide detector must be installed within 10 feet from any room used for sleeping.
- All detectors must be hardwired, direct plugin (without a switch), or battery powered. Battery back up is strongly recommended on the electrical detectors.
- Test your CO alarm once a month.
- Keep vents, both intake and exhaust clear of obstructions.
- If you need to warm up your vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not let it idle inside your garage.
- Never use an oven to heat your home. This is a fire and health hazard.
Cooking Fires
Cooking fires remain the number one cause of fires throughout the United States. The same holds true in Minnesota where 74% of all structure fires are in residential homes and 45% of those fires are caused by cooking.
Grease Fire
- If a pan of food catches fire prevent flare-ups by leaving the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- Do not throw water on a grease fire. This could splatter the burning grease and spread the fire.
- Carefully cover the fire with a lid by sliding it on the pan. Turn off the heat source and let it cool completely before trying to handle it.
- Use a fire extinguisher and don't get too close to the fire. The powder that is discharged under pressure in the extinguisher may spread the fire if you are too close.
- Report the fire even if you think you have it extinguished.
- Evacuate the house as soon as your safety is compromised and call 9-1-1.
Oven Fires
- Turn off the heat and leave the door closed.
- If there's anything combustible close to the oven relocate it if it is safe to do so.
- Evacuate the house as soon as your safety is compromised and call 9-1-1.
Microwave Fires
- Keep the door closed and unplug the microwave.
- Evacuate the house as soon as your safety is compromised and call 9-1-1.