Safety Tips

Want to keep yourself, your family and your property safe?

We suggest the following:

1) Have a working smoke alarm on every level of the home and in every bedroom! Test it regularly, replacing batteries twice a year. If you do have a fire, smoke alarms increase your chances of getting out alive by over 50%. Note: if you live in the area served by South Metro Fire Rescue and do not have a smoke alarm and cannot afford one for your home, please call us at 720.488.7221.

2) Have an evacuation plan for fire, flood and other disasters and practice it with your children. The plan should designate two ways out of every room. More information on fire evacuation planning and an evacuation grid you can use to help make your plan.

3) Have at least one carbon monoxide detector and test it regularly.

4) Don't leave food on the stove unattended. If a grease fire starts in a pan, use a tight fitting lid to smother it.

5) If you are experiencing chest pain or other signs of a heart attack, don't wait to seek help. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

6) Insist your children wear appropriate safety gear for whatever activity they engage in, and set a good example by using safety gear yourself.

7) Read and follow manufacturers directions on products such as wood stain. Improper disposal of oily rags can lead to fire.

8) Have home gas burning appliances such as water heaters and furnaces checked annually by professionals. Have your fireplace flue inspected and cleaned regularly as well.

Download a home safety checklist or visit http://www.southmetro.org/ and select the various categories under "Your Safety" for more information.

If you have questions about safety in the home, please call us at 720-258-8911 and ask to speak to a member of the public education staff.