October 19–Several recent fires in Seattle serve to remind residents to pay special attention to fire safety. Over the past several days, firefighters have responded to fires caused by unattended cooking and overloaded outlets and extension cords.

Here are a few tips to keep your home safe this fall season:

Electrical
• Avoid using extension cords and plug adapters.
• Utilize power strips with internal circuit breakers instead of extension cords to prevent overheated electrical extension cords.
• Make sure extension cords are not tacked to walls, run under rugs, or through doorways.
• Unplug small appliances, like the toaster or coffee maker, when not in use.

Kitchen
• Always use a timer when cooking and stay in the kitchen when cooking with oil or grease. If a fire starts in a pan, cover it with a lid.
• Always keep the stove area clean.
• Never use the oven to heat the home.

And make sure you have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and a fire escape plan that has been practiced by everyone in the home.

To learn more, http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/homesafety/september.htm