SMOKE DETECTORS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

(NC) - Fall is the season for major housecleaning, winter storage and inspection of your heating system. It's also time to make sure your home's fire-protection devices - smoke (and carbon monoxide) detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Here are a few suggestions:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide should be installed in strategic locations - your kitchen, stairwell, bedroom hallways and other high-traffic household areas. The only upkeep these devices usually need is to have their batteries changed twice a year. It's a good idea to do this along with the time changes you regularly make in springtime and fall.

Fire extinguishers

It's advisable to install fire extinguishers in your kitchen, stairway and near your workshop. They should be fully visible and easily accessible (mount them at about chest level). The recommended maintenance procedure is to rotate them, top to bottom, very slowly, in order to prevent the powder from settling tight at the bottom of the cylinder.

Simple maintenance -hint for electric baseboards

In order to prevent potential fire hazards from developing, it is recommended that you run a vacuum cleaner hose on the inside of your electrical baseboards to remove dust that may have accumulated during the summer months. Dust can also be a source of unpleasant odors when the heat is first turned on. We also suggest that you leave a reasonable amount of space between draperies and baseboards, and also a certain distance between neighboring furniture, to prevent risks of fire.

One last tip: Never use an ordinary household extension cord to connect a portable electric heater. If an extension cord is absolutely necessary, make sure it has at least a 14 calibre wire. - (NC)

- From News Canada