| There are many hazards in the basement that can | | | | that will fuel a fire down to a minimum, clean out once |
| cause a fire so it is important to do a thorough | | | | a year or have a garage sale. You should not store |
| inspection of the basement to help detect some of | | | | lawn mowers, snow blowers and propane tanks |
| those fire hazards that may exist there. | | | | indoors as they contain flammable liquids, that release |
| The presence of hazards like combustibles, electricity, | | | | vapors heavier than air and present a serious fire and |
| and heat generators, all packed un-attended in your | | | | breathing hazard. |
| basement is dangerous and requires precautionary | | | | Electrical Safety |
| attention. To allow emergency escape, make sure | | | | Electrical boxes that are overfused are a serious fire |
| there is always a clear path towards the exit. | | | | hazard. Bypassing circuit fuses can create a potential |
| Hazardous Vapors and Liquids | | | | fire risk. If a fuse blows it means that the wiring or |
| In your basement you will most likely find flammable | | | | some electrical device connected to the circuit is |
| liquids that give off vapors which are heavier than air. | | | | defective, or there may be too many connected |
| These vapors can ignite by even a small spark from | | | | appliances that are causing overload. |
| the furnace or hot water heater. | | | | It is important to never use an extension cord for |
| It is advisable to store these flammable liquids outside | | | | appliances that need a permanent supply of power |
| in a shed, and that they are stored in approved | | | | such as the air conditioner, fridge, and freezer, as this |
| containers that are kept away from heat, sparks and | | | | can cause the cord to overheat and ignite. |
| open flames. Do not smoke in the vacinity of these | | | | All fixtures should be properly secured, wires should be |
| products. | | | | properly insulated from each other, and junction boxes |
| If these products must be stored in the basement, | | | | should be covered properly. |
| make a suitable clearance of at least 3 feet around | | | | Child Safety |
| appliances such as the furnace or hot water heater. | | | | You should not allow children to play in the basement if |
| Storing Safely | | | | it is used for storage. Matches and lighters should be |
| To keep the storage amount of combustible materials | | | | stored in a locked box and out of the reach of children. |